Islamabad, November 27, 2024 — A rally by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) planned for Tuesday turned violent as clashes broke out between protesters and security forces. The clashes in the heavily fortified Red Zone in the capital killed several people and left many others injured.
Violent Protest
PTI’s high-stakes sit-in, called by party leader Imran Khan and organized to demand the resignation of the government, saw over 10,000 protesters attempting to march towards D-Chowk, a key government area in Islamabad. The protesters, defying a ban on public gatherings, clashed with 20,000 security forces, leading to intense confrontations involving tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.
On late Tuesday evening, PTI leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan’s wife, vacated the protest site as things grew violently uncontrollable. Gandapur declared at the protest site that this protest would continue until a word from Imran Khan in case he ordered them otherwise.
Fatalities and Injuries
The violence left at least six dead, including two civilians and three Rangers personnel who died in a vehicular accident. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) confirmed two civilian deaths and at least 60 injuries, including 71 law enforcement officers. Some officers suffered gunshot wounds, further escalating the severity of the crackdown.
Islamabad Police said that around 1,000 people were arrested as crowds marched towards government areas on Tuesday. Around 610 people were taken into custody as the crowd advanced. A total of 39 weapons recovered included AK-47s, pistols, and sniper rifles. The police also impounded over 200 vehicles being used by demonstrators.
Address by Gandapur in Mansehra
In a statement issued in Mansehra on Wednesday, Ali Amin Gandapur criticized the use of force by the government, terming the protest a “revolution” that would not stop. He said the peaceful march of PTI was attacked by the state and resulted in the unnecessary bloodshed. Gandapur said the PTI had been deprived of its right to protest as the country had seen the political persecution in the form of Imran Khan’s and his wife Bushra Bibi’s imprisonment.
Gandapur said, “People have died in this protest, and we must pray for them. This is not just a sit-in; this is a battle for justice.”
PTI Cancels Protest Sitt-In
The PTI suspended its protest “for the time being” at dawn Wednesday, terming the brutality of the government as the reason behind the move. A statement issued by the party condemned the alleged killing of its workers and called upon the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of the events. The PTI appealed to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi to investigate the deaths of its workers, demanding legal action against senior officials, including the Prime Minister, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the Islamabad Police Chief.
PTI’s statement also noted that a future course of action would be decided after consultations with Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, and after an internal review of the state brutality.
Internal PTI Discontent
Amidst the escalating crisis, former KP Minister Shaukat Yousafzai expressed his frustrations with the PTI leadership’s handling of the protest. He severely criticized the lack of central leadership. He questioned why prominent personalities such as Barrister Gohar and Salman Akram Raja did not appear at the protest. He criticized Bushra Bibi’s influence over party decisions and questioned why her views were being given preference over that of the party’s senior leadership. Yousafzai demanded a review of the internal strategy of PTI and criticized the party for its handling of communications and protest logistics, saying that the decision to term the protest as a “final call” was a wrong move.
Government Defends Security Actions
The government, led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, defended the security forces’ actions and branded the protest an act of terrorism. Naqvi said that protesters were armed with firearms, and described the violence as terrorist activity, not a peaceful demonstration. He vowed that those who instigated the violence would be held accountable.
Islamabad Police Chief voiced similar sentiments, stating that there was no let up by the police in dealing with all manner of terrorism. He said over 71 law enforcement officers were injured over the past three days, 27 of whom were due to gunshots. He also said the authorities had confiscated 39 firearms.
Restoration of Services and Public Transport
Following the confrontation, internet services and bus routes in Islamabad were recovered, including Bani Gala and the Red Zone. The check posts on Murree Road, among others, were cleared and reopened the motorways between Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Normalization of business activities returned after the administration of Islamabad regained its ordinary functions.
Future Strategy
With the protest suspended for the time being, PTI’s leadership is expected to meet in the coming days to reassess their strategy and decide on the next steps, guided by Imran Khan’s directions. Meanwhile, PTI supporters have vowed to remain steadfast, declaring their commitment to Imran Khan’s leadership and the cause for which they are protesting.
Key Takeaways:
PTI’s Islamabad protest turned violent with six deaths and over 60 injuries.
Nearly 1,000 protesters arrested, 200 vehicles impounded, and significant weapon seizures.
PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur vowed to continue the protest until Imran Khan orders otherwise.
The government defended its actions, labeling the protest as terrorism and warning of further arrests.
Shaukat Yousafzai expressed dissatisfaction with PTI’s internal handling of the protest and called for reflection on its strategy.
