The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded an independent and impartial inquiry into the events surrounding the November 26, 2024, protest led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad.
In a fact-finding report released on Monday, the HRCP criticized the administration for using excessive and disproportionate force against protesters, leading to loss of life on both sides.
The HRCP’s fact-finding mission documented testimonies from state representatives, PTI leadership, journalists, and the families of seven individuals allegedly killed during the protest. The report contradicted the federal government’s claims, stating that the protest resulted in fatalities among both protesters and security personnel.
The HRCP expressed deep concern over allegations that hospital administrations and police withheld victims’ bodies until their families agreed not to pursue legal action. While hospital officials refused to speak with the fact-finding team, testimonies from journalists and victims’ families suggested that hospitals may have concealed critical information.
The report criticized the administration for its “clear lack of proficiency” in managing the protest and accused it of using excessive and disproportionate force. Despite attempts to contact the Interior Minister to inquire about the use of live ammunition against protesters, the mission was unable to secure a meeting.
Media Blackout and Lack of Transparency
The HRCP also raised alarms over the mainstream media’s blackout of the protest, attributing it to potential state coercion or self-censorship. The report emphasized that the media should have been allowed to report on the situation without hindrance to ensure transparency and accountability.
The HRCP urged the government to immediately launch an independent inquiry into the November 26 events involving the families of alleged victims, the PTI, and other political stakeholders. The commission stressed the importance of upholding the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed by the Constitution while ensuring that such protests remain within legal bounds.
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The November 26 protest saw intense clashes between law enforcement agencies and PTI supporters as the latter attempted to march towards D-Chowk for the party’s ‘final call’ power show. The government’s late-night crackdown forced PTI’s leadership and supporters to retreat abruptly, ending the protest.
The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least four Rangers personnel and two policemen, with PTI claiming that 12 of its protesters were also killed. The protest led to numerous arrests and cases against PTI workers and supporters.
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