The Ministry of Interior has disclosed significant details about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) recent “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad, shedding light on the events leading to the unrest, the role of key players, and the ensuing chaos.
High Court Orders and Government Negotiations
On November 21, the Islamabad High Court directed the federal government to maintain law and order in the capital. Given the simultaneous visits of high-profile foreign dignitaries, the government urged PTI to delay its protest. However, upon the party’s insistence, Sangjani was designated as the protest venue. Despite this arrangement, PTI protesters unlawfully moved toward Islamabad’s Red Zone, violating court orders.
Violent Tactics and Key Players
The ministry accused PTI of orchestrating violence using a group of 1,500 trained individuals, including illegal Afghan nationals, under the leadership of Murad Saeed. Armed with firearms, steel slingshots, nail-studded batons, and tear gas shells, these miscreants engaged in aggressive clashes with law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
The ministry claimed that resources from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government were used to sustain and support the violent activities. The violent mob breached barricades with government machinery, allowing more protesters to follow.
Tragic Losses and Injuries
The unrest resulted in the martyrdom of three Rangers personnel and one policeman, with 232 LEA officials injured. Protesters set vehicles on fire, damaged property, and created widespread panic. Despite provocation, LEAs refrained from using live ammunition to maintain public safety.
Fake Propaganda and Social Media Campaigns
The interior ministry alleged that PTI used coordinated social media campaigns, including fabricated videos and AI-generated content, to spread misinformation about casualties. Hospitals in Islamabad refuted claims of mass casualties. The ministry condemned the spread of fake news, which it said aimed to divide society and discredit LEAs.
Financial and Material Losses
The violent protests caused material damages worth millions, with 11 LEA vehicles, including prison vans, destroyed. Indirect economic losses were estimated at Rs. 192 billion per day. Over three dozen foreign individuals, reportedly paid, were among those apprehended.
National Resilience and Conclusion
The Ministry of Interior stated that the people of Pakistan, particularly those in KP, rejected violent and extremist political tactics. The statement concluded with a commitment to peace, stability, and holding all miscreants accountable under the law.
