Security sources dispute hospital reports of PTI protester deaths

According to hospital reports, 10 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and PTI protesters

ISLAMABAD:

Security sources have termed reports of protester deaths during the PTI protest as "false and fabricated" citing that certain individuals on social media have been spreading propaganda that shelling by law enforcement agencies’ during the protest caused the deaths of several protesters.

However, these claims have been refuted, stating that there is no truth to the reports.

The sources further clarified that the rumors regarding the deaths of protesters are baseless and part of a deliberate attempt to cover up failures and shortcomings.

Security sources also stated that no firearms were used during the late-night operation conducted by the police and Rangers.

Meanwhile, according to Islamabad hospital reports, clashes between security forces and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters in Islamabad have resulted in 10 deaths and 71 injuries.

Medical sources revealed that six civilians and four security personnel were among the dead, with the injured transported to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Poly Clinic, and CDA Hospital, Express News reported.

PIMS reported receiving 27 injured police officers and 14 civilians, along with seven bodies—four of security personnel and three civilians. Poly Clinic confirmed three deaths and 28 civilian injuries, while CDA Hospital treated two injured civilians, one with a gunshot wound and another hurt by tear gas.

A PTI spokesperson alleged heavy-handedness by security forces. "Unarmed protesters were met with a barrage of bullets on Islamabad's streets, leaving hundreds injured," the spokesperson said.

PTI announced the cancellation of its ongoing protest in Islamabad following the action against protesters on Tuesday night.

According to PTI's spokesperson, the next course of action will be revealed after a meeting with the party's founder chairman and the core committee.

The PTI spokesperson also accused authorities of opening fire on peaceful protesters on the streets of Islamabad, causing hundreds of unarmed Pakistanis to be injured.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also praised law enforcement agencies for their effective handling of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest attempt at D-Chowk in Islamabad.

In addition to reopening roads that were closed due to the protests, city officials have started removing containers from sensitive areas like the Red Zone, where many key government buildings are located.

Cleaning operations are underway across the city to ensure public spaces are cleared of debris and abandoned vehicles left behind by protesters.

The streets, once filled with protesters, now bear the remnants of the demonstrations—scattered shoes, clothes, and vehicles left abandoned.

"We are making sure the roads are clear before the morning," said Islamabad's Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Memon. "All roadblocks will be removed and areas will be cleaned up," he added.