PTI, govt spar over D-Chowk episode

Tehreek-e-Insaf condemns 'bloody massacre' of workers in Islamabad

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected government assertions that no live ammunition was used during a crackdown on the party's protest in Islamabad, calling the incident a "bloody massacre". The political force vowed to continue its struggle for constitutional supremacy, rule of law, and democracy in the country.

In a video statement shared on social media, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja accused law enforcement agencies of killing at least 20 unarmed party workers during the protest. "With a heavy heart, I confirm that eight of our martyred workers have been identified so far, including Muhammad Ilyas, Anees Satti, Malik Safdar Ali, Malik Mobeen Aurangzeb, Abdul Rasheed, and Ahmad Wali," Raja said. He alleged that the workers were killed by indiscriminate use of live ammunition by security forces.

Highlighting the significance of peaceful protest as a fundamental right, Raja said, "Nations progress only when the rights of assembly, protest, and free speech are respected. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, even the right to vote is disregarded." He pointed out that the PTI's electoral victory on February 8 was nullified, paving the way for an "illegitimate regime." Raja accused the government of using state machinery to silence dissent. "It is a blatant lie to claim no casualties occurred yesterday. This regime is using fascist tactics to crush the opposition."

PTI has pledged to pursue legal avenues to seek justice for its workers. Raja announced plans to file cases against Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials, holding them accountable for the violence.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also condemned the violence, describing it as a dark chapter in the struggle for civil and political rights. "Our workers have sacrificed their lives while facing brutalities, shelling, and live bullets," he said. "This massacre will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the fight for democracy. We demand justice and hold the government responsible."

The PTI's official X (formerly Twitter) account also strongly condemned the crackdown, describing it as a massacre orchestrated by a "fascist regime".

K-P CM's Adviser for Information and Public Relations Dr Saif stated that the illegitimate and oppressive government has written yet "another chapter of cruelty and barbarity". He added that following the Model Town tragedy, the D-Chowk incident has also become a "badge of disgrace for this fake government". He continued that the atrocities committed are so severe that when history is written, even the pen will tremble. The adviser remarked that oppression is always carried out by those who are fearful, and the firing on unarmed workers is proof of their fear.