Peshawar, November 29,2024- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly condemned the alleged “violence and firing” on citizens participating in peaceful protests in Islamabad, calling for a high-level judicial investigation to identify those responsible.
In a statement issued by PTI’s political committee, the party demanded an impartial inquiry into the alleged killings of peaceful demonstrators, stating that those involved must be held accountable.
The government has denied allegations of firing on protesters or causing any casualties during the demonstrations. However, PTI’s statement called for strict action against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accusing them of being involved in “direct firing on peaceful and patriotic Pakistanis.”
The protests erupted after PTI supporters gathered in Islamabad to demand the release of the party’s chairman, Imran Khan. PTI leaders have alleged that several workers were killed and hundreds injured due to the government’s crackdown. Meanwhile, the government has maintained that security forces did not open fire during what it described as a “grand operation.”
The statement also condemned alleged incidents of tear gas shelling and firing on the vehicles of Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur. It criticized what it called “attempts to abduct” the two and “endanger their lives.” Additionally, PTI denounced the alleged burning of Bushra Bibi’s container and the destruction of private property, including vehicles, by government forces.
Despite the obstacles, the statement praised party workers and supporters for reaching Islamabad in response to the “final call” given by party chairman Imran Khan. It acknowledged their resilience in facing what it termed as “intense shelling” during the protests.
PTI declared the alleged killings of its workers by government firing as a “national tragedy” and urged the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to ensure justice for the families of the victims.
The political committee also announced that, based on Imran Khan’s directives, a future course of action will soon be unveiled.