Omar Ayub, Waqas Akram Sheikh demand a judicial inquiry into use of firearms at D-Chowk
Islamabad
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed that at least 12 individuals have died during the Islamabad protest, following earlier claims of a significant death toll.
Speaking at a press conference with Opposition Leader Omar Ayub in Peshawar on Friday, PTI’s central spokesperson, Waqas Akram Sheikh, described the government’s actions as unprecedented in Pakistan’s history of protests. He alleged that reporting journalists about the fatalities during the Islamabad protest have been imprisoned, and that many others remain missing with no information about their whereabouts.
He revealed that while the police are providing some figures, PTI has also gathered its own data on the arrests. “Twelve individuals have died during the protest,” Sheikh confirmed. “The actual number is higher, but we are sharing only the confirmed figures with the media.”
He added that the bodies of the deceased were withheld for three days before being returned to their families. “The government is attempting to conceal both the bodies and evidence, but these things cannot be hidden more.” During the press conference, Sheikh also criticised the government for demanding names and proof of the deaths, as hospitals were pressured not to share lists with the media. “Which law allows shooting unarmed people?” he asked. “Which government has opened fire on peaceful citizens? How can state machinery be used against its own people?” he added.
Sheikh said demanding the right to protest is not a crime, and a right granted by the constitution. “Our workers were prepared for tear gas and rubber bullets, but not for firearms and bullets,” he said.
