Islamabad Protest: Hamid Mir’s Eyewitness Account, Questions, and Facts
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
During the protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, the situation escalated to the point that the area was declared a red zone, and the military was called in. Prominent journalist Hamid Mir, who was present on the ground covering the protest, shared his firsthand account with Dawn TV. His detailed narration not only revealed the deteriorating conditions during the protest but also raised questions and unveiled facts that demand attention.
Hamid Mir explained that despite the intense tear gas and gunfire, he fulfilled his journalistic duties. A young man, Shafiq Lund, remained by his side throughout, providing him with water, salt, and rosewater spray to help him continue his coverage. Tragically, it was later revealed that Shafiq Lund had succumbed to a gunshot wound during the protest. Hamid Mir also disclosed that members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) warned him about snipers stationed in nearby buildings, suggesting that he could be targeted to frame PTI in a conspiracy. Alarmed by this warning, Mir left the area. However, his colleagues later showed him videos of injured individuals, including Shafiq Lund, being taken to the hospital. Strangely, the hospital spokesperson denied that any injured persons had been brought in.
Separately, journalist Matiullah Jan, who was arrested on the night of the protest, claimed that a crucial register documenting deaths had been removed from the hospital’s emergency records. He alleged that this register contained death certificates prepared by Rangers personnel but was deliberately taken away to conceal the actual number of fatalities. These revelations leave a pressing question: Why were the victims’ bodies allegedly disappeared, and how many lives were lost during the protest?
Hamid Mir expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that politics often lacks humanity and that humanity is repeatedly sacrificed at the altar of political ruthlessness. Reflecting on Shafiq Lund’s sacrifice, he emphasized that such events challenge the moral and political principles of our society.
The incidents during the protest have raised serious concerns about the roles of the government, opposition, and institutions. The failure to protect lives and the alleged attempts to hide fatalities are not only condemnable but also point to a larger crisis that cannot be ignored.
