PTI retracts claim of hundreds of deaths at D-Chowk

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made a U-turn, retracting its previous claim of hundreds of party workers being killed during clashes with security forces at federal capital Islamabad's D-Chowk on the night of November 26.

The party has now said that 12 people lost their lives in the incident, Express News reported.

After meeting PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar spoke to the media, stating that they had provided information about the Islamabad protest to Imran Khan.

"Due to a lack of access to newspapers and TV, the founder was unaware of what had transpired in Islamabad on November 26," said Gohar.

Barrister Gohar also praised the workers who had participated in the protests, conveying that Imran Khan had honoured their efforts.

"The founder's message is that we should attend the National Assembly session, go to the Senate, and raise this issue in parliament. Protest and take this matter forward," Gohar added.

He stated that the PTI founder would announce the next course of action later.

He said that today they informed Imran Khan about the martyrdom of Rangers, police, and PTI workers, to which he expressed deep sorrow.

"No shots should have been fired during the sit-in or protests, whether in Islamabad or anywhere else," he strongly condemned.

He also ordered the care of the injured and paid tribute to all the workers and leaders.

According to Barrister Gohar, Imran Khan sent a message to the party to maintain unity, as opponents are trying to create divisions.

"The party has only one demand: Why were shots fired? No shots should have been fired, wherever they came from, whoever fired them, and however they were fired, we condemn it," Gohar added.

He said that the founding chairman also paid tribute to the MNAs and MPAs from Punjab, noting that they had been through a difficult time.

Barrister Gohar, while refuting claims made by party leaders including Ali Amin Gandapur about the martyrdom of hundreds of workers, stated, "We will not give irresponsible statements. Only 12 workers have been martyred."

In response to a question, he clarified that there were false reports about the health of PTI’s founder, adding that "the founder of PTI is perfectly fine in Adiala Jail."