Islamabad, Pakistan – Amnesty International is calling for a full and transparent investigation into a series of violent incidents that occurred in Islamabad on November 26 and 27, when military and police forces reportedly used excessive force against demonstrators from the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The human rights organization highlighted concerns about the large number of protester arrests and deaths during these confrontations.
According to Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Babu Ram Pant, the government’s harsh measures against demonstrators, including shutting down mobile internet services, highlight a troubling pattern of intolerance toward peaceful protests throughout the nation. Pant emphasized the urgent need for accountability and transparency in responding to these events.
The PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, had organized the protests to demand Khan’s release, triggering widespread disruptions across the country. In anticipation of the protests, the government not only blocked internet access but also erected barriers on major highways and routes into the capital, significantly restricting movement.
Reports from the ground indicate that the clash between protesters and law enforcement was intense, with authorities deploying tear gas and, in some instances, issuing “shoot at sight” orders. The situation escalated when military forces were summoned to the capital under constitutional provisions typically reserved for instances of external aggression or the imminent threat of war.
The communication blackout implemented by the government made it extremely challenging to ascertain the full extent of casualties and damage. Preliminary reports from various unconfirmed sources suggest multiple fatalities and numerous injuries among the protesters, with the BBC reporting at least six deaths, including four security officers.
Human rights advocates are particularly concerned about the legality and proportionality of the force used by security personnel. Rumors of lethal ammunition being used against unarmed protesters have only exacerbated demands for an impartial investigation.
Adding to the unrest, approximately 4,000 PTI supporters were reportedly detained leading up to the event, with an additional 610 arrests confirmed on the days of the protests. These mass detentions have been criticized by international observers as potentially unjust and a violation of rights to free assembly.
Amnesty International’s repeated calls for an investigation stress the necessity for an immediate, thorough, and impartial review of both the deaths and injuries, as well as the strategies employed by law enforcement during the protests. They are also campaigning for the release of those detained solely for their participation in what should have been peaceful assemblies.
In the absence of clear and transparent reporting from the scene, the exact toll of the clashes remains mired in uncertainty. This lack of information has international human rights organizations alarmed about the potential for unreported abuses and the broader implications for civil liberties in Pakistan.
As international scrutiny mounts, the need for a candid examination into these events becomes increasingly critical. The resolution of these issues will likely impact not only the local political landscape but also Pakistan’s international relations, particularly in regards to human rights practices.