Pakistan Dispatch: Massive protesters demanding release of ex-PM Imran Khan met harsh response from security forces in Islamabad – JURIST

Abu Bakar Khan and Noor Ul Huda are JURIST staff correspondents in Pakistan and recent graduates of the Faculty of Law, University of the Punjab. They filed this dispatch from Lahore.

On November 13, Imran Khan, the incarcerated former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, issued a final call for nationwide protests planned for November 24. The main demands were the restoration of the PTI. electoral mandate that was unjustly withdrawn after the February 8 general elections, and the overturning of the 26th constitutional amendment, which the PTI believes consolidated establishment control over the country's politics. landscape.

As part of its broader strategy to curb the PTI's influence, the federal government of Pakistan had already passed the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024” in September. Under this law, the Islamabad High Court ruled that the PTI's renewed call to protest was illegal because the party had not obtained the required permission. Despite this, PTI supporters began their journey to Islamabad on Sunday, determined to continue the protests.

On Tuesday morning, PTI protesters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), where the PTI holds the government, had entered the Pakistani capital. They faced intense use of tear gas, bombings and numerous roadblocks. Major roads, highways and major access points to Islamabad were clogged with containers, while internet services across the country, including Islamabad, were severely disrupted. The government's actions have led to widespread closures and lockdowns, with not only Islamabad's roads blocked, but also the main exit routes from cities like Lahore. These disruptions have plunged many regions of the country into turmoil.

Despite the government's efforts to quell the protests, the PTI convoy continued to advance and reached D-Chowk, the central area of ​​Islamabad. The situation became tense as clashes between protesters and police intensified, with the government deploying Rangers and military troops around D-Chowk and other key locations in the city. Riot police used tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters fought back, chanting slogans and defying barricades. Amid the clashes, police confirmed that at least one police officer was killed and dozens more, including members of the security forces and protesters, were injured during violent clashes.

PTI leaders, including Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi and KPK Chief Minister Ali Amin, led the protest. Many believe that the release of Bushra Bibis after an earlier protest is a sign of the growing strength of the PTI's position. Roadblocks and internet shutdowns appear to signal growing government unease with the movement. Earlier in the day, police attempted to block the G-10 signal on the Sirinagar Expressway to stop the protesters, but after facing resistance, they were forced to allow them to pass. Despite the cold nights in Islamabad, the PTI protesters remained put. Bushra Bibi addressed the crowd, saying: “Our plan will not change until Imran Khan comes out and tells us what to do. No matter how much pressure, we won't listen until Khan speaks to us directly. She further insisted: If Khan speaks from within, don't listen to him. Wait for it to come out.

The government's heavy-handed response, including widespread use of tear gas, rubber bullets and the deployment of military personnel, fueled further unrest. Around 1,500 PTI leaders and workers were arrested and criminal cases were initiated against many party members. The Crime Intelligence Agency building in Islamabad was transformed into a makeshift detention center to house those arrested during the protests. The continued arrests, combined with the disruption of internet services and the government's firm stance not to negotiate, have led many to question the government's approach to resolving the situation peacefully.

Imran Khan, still in prison, urged his supporters on X to “fight to the end” and continue protests until their demands are met. The interior minister, however, made it clear that the Pakistani government was not willing to enter into negotiations with the protesters. Now that they have seen the situation, there will be no more talks. The government has made a clear decision not to negotiate with those participating in the sit-in, he said. He concluded by challenging the PTI protesters to move forward, saying: “Move forward, we are ready. Anyone who attempts to come here will face a strong response.

As the situation evolves, Islamabad remains on lockdown with PTI protesters showing no signs of backing down. Whether the protests will lead to a resolution or further escalation remains to be seen, but the current impasse highlights growing tensions between the government and the PTI in Pakistan.

The opinions expressed in JURIST Dispatches are solely those of our field correspondents and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of JURIST editors, staff, donors, or the University of Pittsburgh.

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