Days after chaos erupted in the federal capital, the Ministry of Interior revealed startling details on Sunday about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) recent “do-or-die” Islamabad protest led by Imran Khan.
The ministry offered a detailed account of developments from its dialogue with PTI ahead of their November 24 protest march. This follows an Islamabad High Court (IHC) directive issued on November 21 instructing the government to ensure law and order during the event.
Despite the court’s directives and negotiations, which led to PTI agreeing to a designated protest location in Sangjani, the party unlawfully advanced towards Islamabad’s Red Zone, the ministry reported. As the march proceeded, violent protesters, reportedly including trained miscreants and illegal Afghan nationals, clashed repeatedly with law enforcement using firearms and improvised weapons. These clashes were part of a protest march from Peshawar to Islamabad’s Red Zone, orchestrated with logistical and financial backing from the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
During these violent incidents, a vehicle tragically ran over Rangers personnel at a checkpoint in Islamabad, resulting in the death of three soldiers and critical injuries to five others. The ministry also noted that one policeman died and 232 law enforcement officers sustained severe injuries due to the protest. The violence escalated further with the burning of police vehicles and property, causing widespread panic among civilians.
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The violent nature of the protests prompted the deployment of the Pakistan Army in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution, tasked with securing key installations and ensuring the safety of foreign dignitaries visiting the city. Despite these measures, the situation escalated on November 26 as protestors reached the Red Zone, directly clashing with law enforcement.
In response to these events, the Ministry of Interior criticized PTI and its leadership for using social media to propagate false information about the protest’s aftermath, including unfounded claims of mass casualties. These claims were part of a broader strategy to distract from the protest’s failure and the party’s inability to manage its followers responsibly.
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The ministry condemned the PTI and its supporters for attempting to sow division and unrest, warning that such actions would not go unpunished. It highlighted the significant financial and human costs incurred due to the protests, with damages to law enforcement vehicles and substantial economic losses estimated at Rs192 billion per day.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to upholding law and order and maintaining peace and stability in Pakistan, standing firmly against any forms of extremism or misinformation.
