On November 21, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the federal government to ensure law and order during PTI’s planned protests. Despite extraordinary concessions, including meetings at odd hours and offering Sangjani as a designated protest site, PTI violated court orders and marched unlawfully toward Islamabad’s Red Zone.
Protesters, armed with firearms, steel slingshots, and stun grenades, clashed violently with law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Tragically, three Rangers soldiers and one policeman were martyred, with 232 LEAs personnel injured. PTI’s miscreants, including Afghan nationals and trained fighters led by absconder Murad Saeed, caused widespread destruction, torching vehicles, damaging properties, and endangering citizens.
Despite sustaining injuries, LEAs exercised restraint, using non-lethal means to disperse the mob. The Pakistan Army, deployed to protect key installations and foreign dignitaries, did not engage in riot control. PTI’s leadership fled, abandoning the protest.
PTI’s social media accounts launched a fake propaganda campaign, falsely alleging deaths caused by LEAs. Major hospitals and government officials refuted these claims. Alarmingly, some foreign media outlets echoed the misinformation without evidence.
LEAs recovered 39 weapons, including automatic arms, and arrested dozens of offenders, including paid aliens. The economic toll of the protests reached billions, with damages and indirect losses surpassing Rs. 192 billion daily.
The people of Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reject PTI’s violent politics and propaganda, standing united for peace and stability.
