ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – A recent protest in Islamabad calling for political change has culminated in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, with Amnesty International pressing for a full investigation into the government’s harsh response. The human rights organization expressed deep concern over the use of force, which reportedly led to multiple casualties among the protesters.
The confrontation escalated when over 10,000 supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI), defying a government-imposed ban on public gatherings, clashed with a contingent of 20,000 security personnel. These incidents occurred in the city’s high-security Red Zone, which houses significant government and diplomatic infrastructure.
According to reports, the police employed tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters armed with sticks and slingshots. This violent encounter led to the PTI calling off their planned sit-in, which had been intended as an extended protest against what they perceive as undemocratic practices by the current government.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended the security forces for their efforts to repel the protesters, a statement that has drawn significant criticism from the PTI. The party claims that the actions of the security forces resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries among its ranks. However, these claims are contradicted by statements from government officials who deny any lethal force was used against the demonstrators.
In this context, Amnesty International has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability. The organization emphasized the troubling nature of the government’s response, particularly the closure of mobile internet service and the arrest of protesters, which severely hindered the ability to obtain accurate information about the events and impacted the protesters’ right to free assembly.
Moreover, Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Babu Ram Pant, pointed out that the recent events in Islamabad are part of a broader pattern of intolerance toward peaceful assembly in the country. He called for a thorough investigation into both the deaths and the broader handling of the protests by the authorities.
The government’s move to quell the protests has led to a significant loss of life and injuries. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed the death of two civilians, attributing it to the clashes, and reported that approximately 60 individuals, including security personnel, were injured.
Tensions remain high in the aftermath of the protests. The PTI has vowed to continue its political struggle, though its leadership faces criticism internally for the management and outcomes of the demonstration. In particular, questions have been raised concerning the absence of key party leaders during critical moments of the protest.
As the dust settles, calls are growing louder for political dialogue and introspection. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has urged both the government and PTI to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully, stressing the importance of political stability and respect for human rights.
Amidst these calls for peace, the economic toll of the unrest has become apparent. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted the protests had incurred substantial economic losses, disrupting daily life and impacting the country’s financial markets.
The situation remains fluid in Islamabad, with the government standing firm on its position against the PTI’s protest methods while facing both national and international scrutiny over its handling of the event. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether both sides can bridge their differences or if tensions will escalate further.