Islamabad, Pakistan — The Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, on Saturday addressed the recent incident during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad, where a man was reportedly pushed off a shipping container by security personnel. Tarar refuted online rumors claiming the man had died, stating instead that he was “completely fine” despite sustaining minor injuries.
Background of the Protest and Incident
The PTI’s protest in Islamabad on November 26, 2024, escalated into clashes between party supporters and security forces. PTI’s demonstration aimed to exert pressure on the government, pushing towards D-Chowk, a key location in the capital. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with security forces deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds, while PTI supporters resisted, leading to intense street battles.
A video soon surfaced on social media, showing a man being pushed off a stack of containers by what appeared to be security personnel. The man, seen hanging off the edge of a container, sparked rumors online about his alleged death. This image, coupled with various social media posts, led to widespread claims of the man’s death, which were quickly amplified.
Minister’s Clarification on the Incident
In response to these claims, Minister Tarar appeared on television to address the situation, clearing up the confusion. “Propaganda was spread that a man offering prayers was pushed off the container and killed,” Tarar stated. He identified the individual as a resident of Mandi Bahauddin, clarifying that while the man had indeed been injured, he was “completely fine.” The injury, according to Tarar, was limited to a hurt arm, which had been treated with bandages.
Furthermore, Tarar dismissed claims that the man had been praying when the incident occurred. “He was not offering prayers, as claimed, but was actually recording a TikTok video as part of a challenge with his friend,” the minister confirmed, distancing the incident from any religious connotation.
The Controversial Push from the Container
The incident, showing security personnel shoving the protester from the container, was captured and shared by news outlets, including AFP. While this moment caught significant attention on social media, the circulating video raised questions about the excessive use of force by law enforcement. The security personnel were seen on top of the container, attempting to control the situation by removing protestors from the high ground.
Despite claims by PTI that the security forces used live ammunition, Tarar was emphatic in refuting this assertion. “No live ammunition was used during the protest,” he declared. Tarar further stated that no bodies had been brought to the hospitals in Islamabad, countering the claims of deaths circulating among PTI supporters.
Minister’s Response to Alleged Casualties
The protests resulted in significant violence, with reports indicating that several people had been injured during the clashes. However, the government has denied the PTI’s claims of deaths at the hands of security forces. According to Tarar, hospitals such as PIMS (Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences) and Polyclinic had not received any bodies linked to the protest. Furthermore, he accused PTI of using old images from unrelated events, including the 2019 conflict in Gaza, as well as AI-generated graphics, to mislead the public about the fatalities.
Additionally, Tarar claimed that the PTI had failed to provide credible evidence of deaths, pointing out the lack of funeral videos or official documentation to support the claims.
The Role of Social Media and Misinformation
The Information Minister highlighted the role of misinformation on social media, where photos and videos were being circulated without proper verification. In a government effort to curb the spread of fake news, a dedicated e-verification cell was established to identify and remove false content from public platforms. This initiative aims to counter the spread of manipulated footage, which Tarar claims was being used to fuel unrest.
“Old pictures from Gaza and other locations, as well as AI-created images, are being passed off as proof of deaths,” Tarar explained. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to combat misinformation during politically sensitive events like protests.
Security Forces and Protestor Conduct
Minister Tarar also condemned the actions of some PTI protesters, accusing them of using weapons against security personnel. He stated that there was ample evidence of protestors engaging in violence, including the use of stone pelting and the burning of motorcycles. While the PTI has centered its narrative on the supposed deaths of its supporters, the minister emphasized that these incidents had not been substantiated by official reports.
To ensure accountability, Tarar assured that all those responsible for violent actions during the protest would face prosecution. The government has promised that anyone caught using violence, including Afghan nationals who were reportedly arrested, would be prosecuted.
Protest Fallout and Official Response
The protests had a profound impact on Islamabad, with over 10,000 PTI supporters reportedly converging on the capital, defying a ban on public gatherings. The clashes between demonstrators and 20,000 security personnel resulted in property damage and injuries on both sides. At least six lives were lost in the three days of protests, according to hospital sources, including one police officer and three Rangers personnel, who were hit by a speeding vehicle during the demonstrations.
While the PTI initially claimed that many of its supporters had been killed, the government response has been to downplay these figures. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to present conflicting accounts of the violence.
Minister Tarar’s Call for Prosecution
Tarar further emphasized the government’s stance on maintaining order. He pointed out the arrest of several suspects, including Afghan nationals, and the recovery of modern weapons from those involved in the protests. These individuals, he said, would be punished in accordance with the law. The Minister promised that no one involved in the violence would escape justice.
Calls for Stronger Anti-Riot Measures
In light of the protests, the government has called for stronger anti-riot measures to prevent future incidents. A new anti-riot force has been proposed, which will be tasked with dealing with disturbances in future protests. This move, according to Tarar, is aimed at reinforcing public safety and ensuring that any anti-state activities are swiftly addressed.
PTI’s Position and Political Fallout
In contrast to the government’s position, PTI has maintained that a significant number of its supporters died during the protests, with various party leaders offering differing casualty figures. PTI MNA from Mandi Bahauddin, Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhary, shared a post on social media identifying the injured man as Tahir Abbas Tarar and expressing his wishes for a speedy recovery.
However, members of the ruling government, such as Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, have questioned the PTI’s narrative on the death toll. Asif stated that the actual number of fatalities among PTI supporters was “less than 10,” and criticized the party for providing inconsistent figures.
Asif also remarked on PTI’s responsibility for the violence in Parachinar, noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, should have focused on local issues instead of intensifying national tensions by leading the Islamabad protests.
FAQs
- What happened to the man who was pushed off the container? The man was injured but is now “completely fine” according to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. He suffered a minor arm injury, which has been treated.
- Did the PTI protest result in deaths? The government denies claims that PTI supporters were killed by security forces. They have stated that no bodies or gunshot wounds were recorded at local hospitals.
- Was live ammunition used during the PTI protest? No, the government has clarified that live ammunition was not used by security forces during the protest.
- Why was there confusion about the man’s death? Social media spread misinformation, with many claiming that the man had died. However, the Information Minister confirmed that he was injured but alive.
- What steps is the government taking to handle future protests? The government is establishing a dedicated anti-riot force to deal with future protests and ensure that law enforcement is better equipped to handle such situations
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