Khan’s party demands judicial probe into D-Chowk operation, accuses PM of ordering firing

Opposition Leader in Pakistan’s National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan on Tuesday demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the November 26 security operation at Islamabad's D-Chowk.

He also accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of ordering the firing and warned that cases would be filed against the premier and federal ministers.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alleged that at least 12 of its supporters were killed during the protest, which sought the release of jailed leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. More than 200 protesters remain missing, Omar claimed, with thousands reportedly arrested or injured.

“It was a peaceful protest. Not even a single glass was broken,” Omar said during his speech in the National Assembly. “The nation must know who fired the shots.”

The government has denied PTI's claims. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the allegations as “contradictory” and challenged the opposition to provide evidence.

Security force personnel fire tear gas shells to disperse the supporters of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), during a protest to demand the release of Khan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 26, 2024. Reuters

“If 12 people were killed, where are the funerals, graves, or heirs?” Khawaja asked. He accused PTI of spreading misinformation and criticized the party for resorting to provincialism.

Omar further alleged that Pashtuns were specifically targeted in the operation, vowing to launch a peaceful civil disobedience campaign if a judicial probe is not held.

The government deployed heavy security to control thousands of demonstrators attempting to occupy D-Chowk, a public square near Parliament and the Prime Minister's residence. PTI leaders claim the crackdown was politically motivated to suppress dissent.

During the heated session, lawmakers also discussed unrest in Parachinar and rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar assured the House of federal cooperation to address these issues.

The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, was adjourned after opposition member Iqbal Afridi pointed out the lack of quorum. The meeting will resume on Wednesday.