Khan’s party distances itself from ‘hundreds of martyrs’ claim in Islamabad protests

The chairman of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party on Monday dismissed claims of "hundreds of martyrs" from recent protests in Islamabad, distancing the party from individuals making such assertions.

Thousands of protesters had surged into Pakistan’s capital last week, responding to Khan's call to rally against his sidelining from February’s elections, which he alleges were rigged to prevent his political comeback.

In a late-night operation on November 26, police and paramilitary forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters wielding sticks and slingshots, while roadblocks were set ablaze.

Following the operation, some Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Sardar Latif Khosa, had put the death toll at 278.

However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said he informed Imran Khan during a meeting in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail that 12 PTI supporters had died during the protests. He described claims of "hundreds of martyrs" as exaggerated.

Women and children collect recyclables from the burnt truck used by Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, after security forces launched a raid on supporters of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) who had stormed the capital demanding his release on Tuesday, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 27, 2024. Reuters

Gohar stated that Imran Khan had instructed the party to raise its concerns in parliament, including both the National Assembly and Senate.

'Imran Khan is in good condition'

Addressing rumors about Imran Khan’s health, he emphasized that the PTI leader is in good condition. "Reports suggesting his ill health or absence from Adiala Jail are false," he added.

The chairman condemned the use of firearms during the protests. "No shots should have been fired, regardless of where or by whom. Such actions are unacceptable," he said. Gohar also clarified that the D-Chowk gathering was never the intended destination for protesters.

Dismissing rumors of restrictions on PTI, Gohar reaffirmed the party's commitment to its political struggle. "PTI is not banned, and we will continue our efforts," he said, adding that the party regularly conducts internal accountability and does not rely on leaked audio recordings.

Gohar further noted that he has met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur five times since the protests but declined to comment on potential negotiations with the establishment. "Our focus remains on our political journey," he concluded.

‘Distancing yourself not enough’

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif criticized PTI's handling of claims surrounding casualties during the Islamabad protests.

In a statement on X, he accused PTI leaders, including Gandapur, of exaggerating death tolls and spreading false narratives.

"Simply distancing yourself is not enough. A flood of lies and slander has emerged. PTI's top leadership, led by Gandapur, spoke about thousands of deaths on TV. One individual even quoted a precise figure of 278, as though they counted bodies themselves," Asif wrote.

The minister demanded proof of the 12 deaths PTI claims. "We still demand evidence of even these 12 deaths—any funerals, family members, or leads. With due respect, your people were posting photos of Gaza martyrs and misrepresenting them as PTI casualties," he said.

Asif called the claims a reflection of PTI's "culture of deception", adding, "This entire fabrication speaks volumes about the fraudulence and dishonesty within your party."