In a developing situation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party issued a list of supporters allegedly missing since their confrontation with security forces, while Rawalpindi police denied accusations of using live ammunition on protesters. The protests, which began on November 24, escalated across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, resulting in a series of violent clashes between PTI protesters and law enforcement.
Protest Violence and Casualties
The protests were initially sparked by PTI’s opposition to the current government’s policies. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly descended into violent confrontations. PTI leaders initially claimed that numerous supporters had died during the crackdown, attributing these deaths to live fire by law enforcement. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja even claimed that around 20 party members lost their lives.
However, the death toll and the circumstances surrounding the fatalities remained unclear, with the government and opposition exchanging conflicting reports. While PTI leaders contended that security forces had opened fire on unarmed civilians, the Rawalpindi police maintained that they had not used live ammunition. The violence resulted in at least six confirmed deaths, including a policeman and three Rangers officers who were reportedly struck by a speeding vehicle.
PTI’s Allegations of Missing Supporters
In the aftermath of the clashes, PTI issued a statement and a list of supporters who were allegedly missing, with the party claiming that many were either detained by authorities or simply disappeared after the protests were suppressed. The list, shared on social media, included names of supporters from four constituencies of Peshawar.
The list included:
- PK-81: 11 individuals, 6 arrested, 5 missing
- PK-83: 13 individuals, 5 arrested, 8 missing
- PK-75: 15 individuals marked as missing
- PK-73: 11 individuals also marked as missing
PTI has raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of these individuals, stating that some may have been subjected to violence or arbitrary detention. The party has called for an investigation into the fate of these supporters, fearing that their disappearance is a result of heavy-handed government tactics.
PTI’s Statements on Protester Deaths
On social media, PTI released further statements claiming that “a dozen innocent protesters have been confirmed dead,” while hundreds were missing, and thousands were injured. Many of the injured, PTI claimed, were in critical condition, and hospitals in the capital had reported an influx of bodies.
The party has alleged that security forces employed direct gunfire against peaceful protesters, labeling the government’s actions as “brutal” and “unjust.” PTI also accused the authorities of trying to cover up evidence of the violence by withholding the bodies of those who had died during the crackdown.
Rawalpindi Police Deny Use of Force
In response to these claims, the Rawalpindi police held a press conference where they categorically denied opening fire on protesters. According to Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfraz Alpa, the police never resorted to live ammunition and were instead focused on restraining the protesters. He claimed that the violence from the protesters, including the use of firearms and sticks, prompted the police to defend themselves, but they never retaliated with gunfire.
RPO Alpa emphasized that no injuries to protesters were reported by any hospitals in Rawalpindi. He added that 170 police officers had been injured, including senior officers such as SSP, SP, and DSP, with two of them being victims of bullet wounds. The police also reported that 25 officers were in critical condition due to the violence they experienced.
Police’s Account of the Protest
The police provided their version of the events, stating that the protest, which initially began peacefully, was hijacked by elements that turned violent. The protesters reportedly used tear gas, firebombs, and other weapons against the police, forcing them to defend themselves. The situation reportedly escalated when protesters opened fire on the police, injuring several officers.
While Rawalpindi police acknowledged that there were significant clashes, they maintained that their response was measured. According to Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, the police did not return fire, despite being attacked, and instead took steps to retreat in order to minimize casualties.
Police’s Strategic Retreat and Impact on the Public
Both the RPO and CPO highlighted that the police chose to strategically retreat when necessary to prevent further escalation. According to CPO Hamdani, retreating was the only viable option to avoid collateral damage and prevent more harm to both the public and the police force.
The police also reported that several materials, such as wireless communication devices and rods with nails, were recovered from some of the arrested protesters. These items, the police claimed, were intended for violent use against the officers. The police have promised further investigations into these materials and the involvement of external elements, including Afghan nationals, in the protests.
The Aftermath of the Protests
The Rawalpindi police also shared details about their engagement with the protesters at various points, including the Sangjani Motorway and the Hakla area. Despite the ongoing confrontations, the police managed to prevent protesters from advancing into the heart of Rawalpindi and disrupting major highways.
The aftermath of the protests left a significant impact on the city, with widespread damage to infrastructure. Protesters set fire to police vehicles, causing significant property damage. However, the Rawalpindi police emphasized that their primary goal was to restore law and order without resorting to unnecessary violence.
The Ongoing Investigation
Both PTI and the Rawalpindi police have vowed to continue their respective investigations into the events of the protest. While PTI has demanded justice for those injured and killed, the police are continuing to investigate the role of violent protesters and any illegal activities connected to the unrest.
FAQs
- What were the causes of the PTI protests?
- The PTI protests were triggered by the party’s opposition to the government’s policies and actions. The protestors were demanding the resignation of government officials and calling for reforms.
- How many people were reported dead in the PTI protests?
- PTI claimed that up to 20 of its supporters had died, although other reports confirmed the deaths of at least six individuals, including law enforcement personnel.
- Did the Rawalpindi police use live ammunition?
- The Rawalpindi police denied using live ammunition during the protests. They claimed they only used force to restrain protesters who became violent.
- Why were some PTI supporters listed as missing?
- PTI alleges that many of their supporters were detained or went missing after the protests were suppressed. They have called for an investigation into these disappearances.
- What actions did the police take during the protest?
- The police focused on restraining protesters and preventing further violence. They reported injuries to 170 police officers but insisted they never used live fire in response.
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