PTI demands answers over Nov 26 'protest killings'

Barrister Dr. Saif, the Information Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government, has vowed to hold the government accountable for the deaths of PTI protesters during the  November 26 demonstration.

He called for justice for the fallen and demanded answers from the "fake government" about why shots were fired at peaceful protesters, Express News reported.

In a statement, Barrister Saif declared that the blood of the martyrs would not go in vain.

He said that today, prayer meetings would be held to honour the martyrs of the D-Chowk incident, with the main ceremony set to take place in Bagh-e-Naraan, Hayatabad, Peshawar.

He reiterated that every drop of the martyrs' blood must be accounted for, and that the government must explain why they resorted to violence against innocent workers.

Saif also condemned the Sharif family's alleged history of using violence against unarmed civilians, referencing the infamous Model Town incident where pregnant women were reportedly shot.

He stated that throughout history, innocent blood had been spilled to extend the grip on power, but this time, the sacrifices would lead to the restoration of constitutional and legal order in Pakistan.

“Not a single drop of innocent workers' blood will be wasted. It is the hallmark of the Sharif family to spill blood for their own gain, but we will ensure that justice prevails,” Saif said, adding that the blood of the PTI workers would pave the way for constitutional reform and justice in the country.

Few days ago, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan directed his party to observe December 15 as "Martyrs Day" to honour the sacrifices of party workers who lost their lives during the May 9 and November 26 protests.

The jailed PTI founder also called for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 and November 26 incidents, claiming that PTI workers were killed by law enforcement agencies.

Following a meeting with her brother in jail, Aleema Khanum, Imran's sister, addressed the media, revealing that Imran initially demanded an inquiry into the events of May 9 but he has now included November 26 in his call for investigations. She said the PTI founder proposed forming a joint investigation commission comprising the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court to conduct an impartial probe into the deaths of party workers during peaceful demonstrations.

Imran directed the party to observe Martyrs Day on December 15, with workers across Pakistan, including in Peshawar, expected to offer prayers for the deceased. Aleema quoted her brother as saying, "A system of disbelief can survive, but one based on oppression cannot. We will not accept such a system."

Imran expressed grave concern over the deaths of his party workers during peaceful protests in Islamabad. He claimed that 16 PTI supporters were killed on May 9, and many others lost their lives during the November 26 demonstration. Khan also alleged that authorities were attempting to conceal the casualties and injuries sustained by PTI workers.

The former premier has emphasized the need for access to CCTV footage to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, rejecting any witness accounts provided by police officials as unreliable.

He also demanded the dismissal of "fabricated FIRs" filed against PTI workers and leaders, many of whom are being held in illegal detention. Aleema shared that her brother was deeply concerned by the plight of missing PTI workers, particularly those who had participated in the November 24 protest in Islamabad. She disclosed that Imran Khan remained unaware of the situation in the federal capital due to his solitary confinement, with authorities restricting his access to newspapers and television.