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Govt Defends Law Enforcement’s Actions, Denies PTI’s Claims of Protester Casualties
Govt denies fatalities in PTI protest, stating law enforcement didn’t open fire. Ministers Ahsan Iqbal & Attaullah Tarar stress Imran Khan faces criminal charges, not political persecution.
ND
by News Desk
2024-11-29
Govt Defends Law Enforcement’s Actions, Denies PTI’s Claims of Protester Casualties

The federal government on Thursday dismissed claims that security forces opened fire on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters during their recent march in Islamabad. Speaking at a joint press conference, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal addressed the controversy surrounding the security operation and the ongoing legal issues involving PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

 

Minister Iqbal firmly stated that Imran Khan is not a political prisoner but is instead facing serious criminal charges that no public official or high-profile figure in the West would escape, given the nature of the allegations. He cited charges of corruption and incitement to violence, which include encouraging attacks on military and state installations during the May 9 riots. According to Iqbal, such actions are unacceptable in any democratic nation, and no group has the right to attack national institutions under the guise of freedom of expression.

 

In response to PTI’s claims of casualties among their protesters, Minister Tarar clarified that both major hospitals in Islamabad, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic, had not received any bodies or individuals with gunshot wounds. He also highlighted that the Ministry of National Health Services had issued a statement declaring the social media lists of protester deaths as false.

 

The government has strongly condemned the actions of PTI’s protesters, alleging that they were armed with advanced weaponry and had attempted to breach Islamabad’s red zone, a highly secured area where key government buildings and embassies are located. Tarar emphasized that the role of security forces was solely to protect the capital's sanctity and maintain law and order, asserting that PTI had no legitimate reason for their protest.

 

Planning Minister Iqbal further remarked that Imran Khan, who is currently in custody, is facing charges that involve inciting violence, including urging his supporters to attack sensitive installations with the intent of causing chaos. He stressed that Khan’s situation should be clear to the international community, reinforcing that he is not being targeted for political reasons.

 

Drawing a comparison to the swift action taken by the UK government during recent racial riots, Iqbal pointed out how British authorities brought perpetrators to justice in just 24 hours, sending a strong message against violence. He argued that the government’s response in Pakistan should be viewed in the same light, as the actions of PTI protesters were aimed at destabilizing the country.

 

Iqbal also reminded the press of PTI's previous actions, such as the 2014 storming of Parliament House and the PTV headquarters, which had led to widespread violence. He described this as part of a troubling pattern of PTI’s violent politics, which had continued through multiple protests and marches. Despite using official resources from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, these protests were largely unsuccessful due to decisive action from the federal government.

 

Minister Tarar addressed the foreign media, revealing that the Islamabad High Court had specifically ordered against any protests in the capital, which PTI blatantly violated. He mentioned that the government had offered PTI the option to hold their protest peacefully at a location outside Islamabad, in Sangjani, but PTI rejected the offer, demonstrating that their true intention was not peaceful demonstration.

 

Finally, Tarar shared video footage, alleging that professional protesters in the PTI crowd were seen using firearms, tear gas shells, and pellet guns. This, he argued, further proved that the PTI’s actions were not those of a peaceful movement but rather an organized effort to incite violence.

 
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