PTI Protest Crackdown: Government Declares Three-Day Mourning Period
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced a three-day mourning period following a controversial crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) protesters in Islamabad. The emergency session of the KP Assembly, convened late Thursday night, became a platform for intense criticism of the government’s actions.
PTI Protest Crackdown: Speaker’s Stark Condemnation
Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati delivered a scathing critique of the law enforcement action, highlighting several key points:
- Constitutional rights of peaceful protest were violated
- Security forces allegedly used excessive force
- Protesters were reportedly targeted by snipers
- Vehicles were allegedly destroyed during the crackdown
PTI Protest Crackdown: Disputed Casualties and Claims
The number of casualties remains a point of significant contention:
- KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur claimed hundreds of party workers were killed or injured
- At least five PTI workers were confirmed dead and buried in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- The government maintains that no fatalities occurred during the dispersal of protesters
PTI Protest Crackdown: Provocative Historical Comparisons
Speaker Swati drew controversial parallels, claiming:
- The crackdown resembled historical conflicts
- He compared the incident to the “East Pakistan debacle”
- Allegations were made about inhumane treatment similar to historical conflicts
Political Fallout: Balochistan Assembly’s Resolution on PTI Protest Crackdown
In a separate development, the Balochistan Assembly passed a resolution seeking a ban on PTI:
- The resolution accused PTI of:
- Inciting nationwide riots
- Engaging in violent activities
- Pursuing a destabilizing agenda
- Opposition parties strongly criticized the move
- Several opposition members walked out, calling the resolution unconstitutional
Key Opposition Voices on PTI Protest Crackdown
Prominent opposition leaders expressed concerns:
- Dr. Malik Baloch (National Party) questioned the wisdom of banning political parties
- Yunus Aziz Zehri warned that today’s ban could target other parties tomorrow
- Nawab Aslam Raisani advocated for allowing Imran Khan to participate in political processes
Additional Allegations in the PTI Protest Crackdown
Speaker Swati made additional claims, including:
- Alleged attempted attacks on KP Chief Minister and Bushra Bibi
- Missing bodies of deceased workers
- Lack of media coverage in Pakistani news outlets
Mourning and Next Steps: PTI Protest Crackdown Aftermath
The KP Assembly session was adjourned until Friday at 7 PM, with the three-day mourning period serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing political tensions.
The incident underscores the deepening political crisis in Pakistan, with significant implications for democratic processes and political freedoms.