Following the deaths of 12 protesters during a crackdown, Imran Khan orders PTI lawmakers to raise the issue in parliament and demand accountability

Imran Khan has directed lawmakers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to launch protests in parliament following the deadly crackdown on PTI workers in Islamabad on November 24, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities. Speaking from Adiala Jail, where he is currently detained, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan briefed the media after meeting Imran, revealing that the former prime minister was deeply moved by the tragic event and urged party unity in the wake of the violence.

Imran Khan was initially unaware of the severity of the November 26 incident due to limited access to news, but after being informed by his party members, he condemned the shooting and expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost. He also ordered the provision of medical treatment for those injured during the protest.

“Imran Khan paid tribute to the martyrs of the party and praised the workers for their participation in the protest,” Gohar said. “His message is clear: take this issue to the National Assembly and the Senate. Protest in parliament and demand answers about the shooting and why these actions were taken.”

According to Gohar, Imran emphasized the importance of maintaining unity within PTI as the opposition sought to sow divisions. The PTI leader stressed that the party’s sole demand was a thorough inquiry into the shooting. “Why were the shots fired? They should not have been fired,” Gohar quoted Imran as saying, calling for action to be taken against those responsible.

The PTI leadership is calling for the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate the incident, and Gohar reiterated the need to raise the matter in parliament, particularly focusing on D-Chowk, where the crackdown occurred.

Responding to claims made by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur regarding the death toll, Gohar insisted that the PTI had concrete evidence of 12 deaths, rejecting any exaggeration. He also clarified that PTI leaders had not been instructed to join the protest at D-Chowk, noting that the protest was not organised for any specific political figure.

Imran Khan also expressed his admiration for PTI lawmakers in Punjab, who have faced increasing pressure as the political climate in the region intensifies. Gohar confirmed that contrary to some rumours, Imran Khan’s health was stable, and he was in good spirits in Adiala Jail.

The PTI’s Islamabad march began on November 24, with Gandapur and Imran’s wife, Bushra Bibi, leading the group. The protesters reached D-Chowk two days later, but the situation escalated when authorities launched a crackdown, forcing the protesters to disperse. Gandapur and Bibi managed to escape, while others were caught up in the violence.

Sources close to the PTI leadership told The Express Tribune that Gohar had tried to de-escalate the situation through backdoor negotiations, attempting to convince party members to call off the protest in exchange for potential concessions. Despite these efforts, the protest continued, culminating in the deadly crackdown.

Imran Khan’s message remains clear: the PTI will not rest until those responsible for the violence are held accountable, and the party will take this fight to parliament.