ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Interior has categorically denied Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) claims of deaths during the party’s recent protest in Islamabad. The government has accused PTI of violating court orders, inciting unrest, and spreading false propaganda.
PTI Violates Agreements, Defies Court Orders
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed the government to ensure peace during PTI’s November 24 protest. Despite being offered the Sangjani area for their demonstration, PTI leaders violated court orders and unlawfully led a march toward Islamabad’s Red Zone.
The protest resulted in violent clashes between PTI workers and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). The police used tear gas to control the mob, but the government strongly denied using live ammunition. The Interior Ministry emphasized that the Pakistan Army was not involved in handling the protest, focusing only on securing sensitive installations.
Violent Tactics and Armed Miscreants
The government accused PTI of orchestrating violence, using armed guards and trained miscreants to attack LEAs. The ministry reported that PTI protesters employed firearms, steel slingshots, and stun grenades, injuring 232 law enforcement personnel. Despite severe provocations, LEAs displayed restraint and avoided lethal force.
Three Rangers personnel and one policeman were martyred during the clashes. Protesters set vehicles ablaze, damaged public property, and spread panic among citizens.
Fake Propaganda on Social Media
The Interior Ministry criticized PTI for spreading fabricated stories on social media to discredit LEAs. The party allegedly used old and AI-generated videos to claim that security forces had killed protesters. Hospitals in Islamabad confirmed no deaths from gunfire, refuting PTI’s baseless allegations.
Foreign media outlets, relying on fake social media reports, also fell victim to PTI’s propaganda. The ministry clarified that LEAs acted lawfully, avoiding unnecessary force during the operation.
Economic and Material Losses
The violent protests caused significant economic damage, with estimated losses of Rs192 billion per day. Eleven law enforcement vehicles, including prison vans, were destroyed. The government also revealed that PTI’s activities were financially and logistically supported by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Nation Rejects PTI’s Extremist Politics
The Interior Ministry accused PTI of creating divisions within society and inciting violence. It alleged that 1,500 trained fighters, including Afghan nationals, were part of the protest. The people of Pakistan, including those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rejected PTI’s extremist tactics and baseless claims.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability while vowing to hold those responsible for spreading fake news accountable. Officials condemned PTI’s leadership for abandoning their followers and fueling chaos under the guise of political protest.
