By 
28-11-24
Zara Ahmed
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
Amid the political turmoil that followed a combined operation by police and paramilitary forces armed with “shoot on sight” orders, the exact number of casualties and injuries during clashes with PTI protesters in Islamabad remains unclear. Both the government and PTI leadership have failed to provide absolute figures, deepening the concern over the actual death toll and injuries during the incident.
On November 24th, PTI supporters from across Pakistan rallied toward the federal capital in response to a final call from former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protest aimed to demand the release of political prisoners and reclaim what the party called a “stolen electoral mandate,” referencing alleged widespread rigging to prevent PTI’s return to power.
In anticipation of the march, the government sealed all routes leading to Islamabad, blocked key areas within the city, partially disrupted internet services, and deployed military personnel with orders to open fire if necessary.
Caravans of PTI workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by the provincial chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, began their march to the capital. Similar groups from Sindh and Punjab provinces also faced resistance, including roadblocks and confrontations with security forces. Despite extensive measures, the highly charged protesters managed to overcome barriers, enduring tear gas shelling and clashes with law enforcement along the way.
On November 26th, demonstrators reached Islamabad and gathered at D-Chowk, their intended protest site, despite a government ban and offers of alternative locations. The arrival of the main PTI caravan, led by Gandapur and Bushra Bibi, was delayed, leaving supporters anxiously awaiting their arrival.
As night fell, security forces surrounded D-Chowk and initiated a violent crackdown. Videos circulating on social media showed heavy shelling and gunfire in near-complete darkness, with businesses shuttered and street lights turned off.
PTI claimed that security forces fired directly at protesters, leaving hundreds injured and dozens dead. The party confirmed the deaths of eight workers but alleged that the actual toll was higher. Images of the deceased in coffins were shared on PTI’s social media accounts.
On the other hand, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that no casualties had been reported in hospitals in the capital, and the government announced the arrests of over 900 PTI protesters.
A report by The Guardian raised concerns about the suppression of information, quoting a doctor who said authorities had “confiscated all records” of the dead and injured. “We are not allowed to talk. Senior government officials are visiting the hospital to hide the records,” the doctor said.
The protesters had swarmed key areas of Islamabad, including D-Chowk, Blue Area, and Jinnah Avenue. The “shoot on sight” orders issued to security forces during these crackdowns have sparked alarm over the potential human cost of the operation.
Sources and further readings:
Azeem, Munawar, and Yasir, Aamir. Curfew-like situation in Islamabad before arrival of PTI protesters. Dawn. Nov, 24, 2024 https://www.dawn.com/news/1874555 Accessed Nov, 28, 2024.
Baloch, Shah Meer, and Peterson, Hannah Ellis. Pakistan army and police accused of firing on Imran Khan supporters. The Guardian. Nov, 27, 2024.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/27/pakistan-army-and-police-accused-of-firing-on-imran-khan-supporters Accessed Nov, 28, 2024.
Junaidi, Ikram. Govt warns against sit-in as PTI marches on capital. Dawn. Nov, 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1874364 Accessed Nov, 28, 2024.
Pakistan police crackdown clears Imran Khan protesters from Islamabad. Al Jazeera. Nov, 27, 2024. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/27/pakistan-police-crackdown-clears-khan-protestors-from-islamabad Accessed Nov, 28, 2024.
Raza, Syed Irfan. ‘No more talks’ as govt vows decisive action against PTI protesters. Dawn. Nov, 24, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1875000 Accessed Nov, 28, 2024.
Security sources dispute hospital reports of PTI protester deaths. Express Tribune. Nov, 27, 2024. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2512214/security-sources-dispute-hospital-reports-of-pti-protester-deaths Accessed Nov, 28, 2024.
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