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GANDAPUR WARNS GOVT AGAINST CONSEQUENCES IF PROTESTERS RESORT TO ‘ARMED RESISTANCE’ Saturday, 30 November, 2024 I | 27 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
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KP CM HIGHLIGHTS BRUTALITY DURING PROTESTS AT D-CHOWK, PROMISING THOSE RESPONSIBLE WOULD FACE CONSEQUENCES
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ALLEGED THERE HAD BEEN A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO DISRUPT HIS SPEECH WHEN MICROPHONE MALFUNCTIONED
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PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
HYBER Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has condemned the violence against peaceful protesters in Islamabad, calling the government’s actions an extension of past incidents, including the Anarkali and Model Town tragedies. In a speech ahead of the K-P Assembly session on Friday, Gandapur highlighted the brutality faced by innocent civilians during the recent protests at DChowk, promising that those responsible would face consequences. Gandapur offered prayers for the souls of the party workers who lost their lives in the protests and called for their elevated status in the afterlife. He further accused the government of allowing military intervention in civilian protests under Section 245, which he claimed was a continuation of past violent tactics. Referring to the shootings at DChowk, he pointed out that the protesters
had been fired upon at multiple locations, including Dadokhel and Chungi No 26, as they peacefully demonstrated for the release of their imprisoned leader, former prime minister Imran Khan. During his address, Gandapur alleged that there had been a deliberate attempt to disrupt his speech when the microphone malfunctioned, suggesting a
IHC advises authorities against Sher Afzal Marwat’s arrest in any case
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possible conspiracy. He went on to challenge the opposition, asserting that the recent march organised in support of Imran Khan was the largest in the country’s history, claiming that no previous protest had garnered such widespread public participation. “We will not let the blood of our workers go in vain,” Gandapur declared,
warning that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable. He also made a veiled threat, stating that the government should fear the consequences if the people were forced to resort to armed resistance. He added that the protesters were not intimidated by the state’s tactics, declaring, “We have weapons, ammunition, and money too. They should fear the day when we take up arms.” Referring to the ongoing political crisis and security concerns, Gandapur reiterated his party’s commitment to justice and freedom, declaring that they would not settle for power but would instead continue their fight for dignity and sovereignty. “This Red Zone does not belong to anyone in particular, it belongs to all of us,” he said, stressing that his party would persist in its protests and actions as ordered by their leader, Imran Khan. Gandapur’s remarks signal a hardline stance against the government’s crackdown on protests, calling for the release of party workers and political leaders, as well as an end to what he described as politically motivated violence.
Death toll in Kurram tribal clashes rises to 122 as violence persists KURRAM
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday barred the authorities from arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat in any undisclosed cases and issued notices to respondents on Marwat’s plea seeking details of cases against him after protest at D-Chowk. IHC judge Justice Arbab Tahir issued notices to the Ministry of Interior, the Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), directing them to provide details of cases filed against Marwat in connection with the D-Chowk protest. The court ordered that a comprehensive report be submitted by next Friday, while Marwat, accompanied by his legal team led by Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) President Riyasat Ali Azad and lawyer Osama Tariq who filed a petition seeking clarity on the cases registered against him. The hearing has been adjourned until next Friday. The PTI staged its “do-or-die” protest demonstration on November 24, which concluded abruptly on November 26 following a government crackdown on protesters. Later speaking on the matter, Sher Afzal Marwat acknowledged internal disagreements over the protest’s venue, highlighting that PTI founder Imran Khan opposed a demonstration at Sangjani, preferring D-Chowk despite reservations from key party leaders. According to Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur opposed advancing beyond Chungi Number 26 in Islamabad and expressed concerns about heading toward D-Chowk. Gandapur reportedly voiced his objections multiple times during the protest, even visiting Bushra Bibi’s vehicle to discuss the matter. Marwat clarified that while some accused Bushra Bibi of insisting on the march toward D-Chowk, Imran Khan had earlier made the decision to proceed. Marwat also noted logistical mismanagement during the protest, such as a lack of coordination and technical issues, including a power outage on the leaders’ container. These developments come despite Marwat sharing his ongoing health challenges, explaining his recent absence from protests in Islamabad. In a candid message circulated on social media, Marwat revealed that he has experienced a significant weight loss of approximately 10 kilograms and that his liver function tests have not returned positive results.
Firing incidents in District Kurram have claimed 12 more lives and injured 17 others, police reported on Friday, marking the ninth day of ongoing tribal clashes. Despite a recently brokered ceasefire, violence persists, raising the death toll to 122 and the number of injured to 168. The district administration confirmed that the main PeshawarParachinar highway remains closed for the eighth consecutive day, disrupting daily life and halting trade activities. Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud noted that the highway’s closure has also stalled trade at the Kharlachi border with Afghanistan, deepening the region’s economic crisis. Adding to residents’ woes, internet and mobile phone services have been suspended due to the tense situation, severely limiting communication and access to essential services. The clashes began on November 21, with ambushes on two police-escorted convoys that left 52 dead. Since then, violence has escalated, despite a 10-day truce bro-
PM forms task force to tackle Islamabad violence, announces riot-control force ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday established a task force, chaired by Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, to identify individuals involved in spreading chaos and violence in Islamabad earlier this week and ensure strict action against them. The task force will include Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Division Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and representatives from security forces. During a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation, the prime minister also announced the formation of a Federal Riot-Control Force. This specialized unit will be professionally trained and equipped with modern tools, adhering to international standards, to prevent future unrest. The meeting further approved the establishment of a Federal Forensic Lab, which will employ advanced technology to investigate and gather evidence related to such incidents. Additionally, the Islamabad Safe City project will be upgraded, and the federal prosecution service will be strengthened to enhance overall security infrastructure. PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s progress toward stability and development, stating that efforts to undermine the country’s growth would not succeed.
Dar to visit Mashhad for ECO ministerial meeting ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
kered earlier this week. Intermittent clashes have rendered the ceasefire ineffective, with police struggling to maintain order. On Thursday, five more fatalities and nine injuries were reported, raising the toll to 107 at the time. The ongoing unrest has paralyzed local transportation and completely suspended trade at the Kharlachi border. Efforts to restore peace are underway, with a jirga of elders from Hangu, Orakzai, and Kohat engaging both factions to enforce the
ceasefire. “The parties have agreed to the ceasefire, and steps are being taken to stop clashes,” said Deputy Commissioner Mehsud. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has documented 79 deaths in the region between July and October this year, underscoring the area’s persistent instability. Earlier attempts to mediate peace, including a seven-day truce and negotiations by a high-powered delegation led by KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, have failed to end the violence.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will embark on a two-day official visit to Mashhad, Iran, starting Monday, to participate in the 28th Council of Ministers meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). During the meeting, the Deputy PM will reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO charter and advocate for enhanced regional connectivity through rail and road network development, streamlined border procedures, and visa regime liberalisation. Dar is also expected to express Pakistan’s concerns regarding hostilities in the Middle East and their impact on regional peace and security. As part of his engagements, Dar will sign the Charter for the ECO Clean Energy Center. He will also hold bilateral meetings with other ministers and dignitaries attending the ministerial meeting.
COAS visits NCTC, reviews Pak-China joint exercise Warrior-VIII RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), Pabbi on Friday and interacted with the participating troops of Pak – China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII between Pakistan Army and Peoples’ Liberation Army of China. According to the military’s media wing – the ISPR, the COAS was briefed on the scope & conduct of the exercise. The COAS also interacted with participants of the exercise. He appreciated the professionalism and high morale of participants being displayed during the Joint Exercise. Pak – China Joint Exercise WarriorVIII commenced on 19 November 2024.
Three weeks long Exercise in Counter Terrorism domain is 8th in the series of bilateral exercise being conducted annually. Earlier, upon arrival at NCTC Pabbi, COAS was received by Commander Rawalpindi Corps. Pakistan Army and China Peoples
Liberation Army (CPLA) jointly conducted the eighth annual anti-terrorism Warrior-8 Exercise. This is the eighth exercise conducted by Pakistan and CPLA annually while preparation of this Exercise was started from last month in China. This exercise
will be concluded in three weeks. Smartly contingents of Chinese Peoples Liberation Army were arrived in Pakistan on November 18, 2024 to participate in annual Warrior-8 Exercise. Inauguration ceremony was held in National Counter Terrorism Centre Pabbi on November 21, 2024 where latest weapons and individual and team-level training attracted general public. Defence officials of both brotherly neighboring countries agreed on basic planning of this exercise. This exercise will pave way for strengthening professional training and strategic ties between the two neighboring countries. Different training about clearance operation, gun fire, drone training, snipper training and company-level training was part of this Exercise.
PTI vehemently condemns ministers’ ‘blatant lies,’ calls for JC to probe ‘Islamabad massacre’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for the establishment of a high-powered judicial commission to investigate the D-chowk carnage and violence during the party’s peaceful protest in order to bring those responsible for the bloodshed to justice. PTI Spokesperson vehemently condemns the ministers’ persistent dissemination of blatant lies regarding and urged the bogus government to establish an impartial judicial commission to investigate the Islamabad massacre thoroughly. He said that the commission tasked to uncover the truth, hold accountable those responsible for the heinous act, and provide justice to the victims and their families. He further stated that the government and its officials were solely responsible for the vi-
olence and killings that occurred during the protest in Islamabad, adding that the courtiers were attempting to distort reality by spreading falsehoods, stating that their efforts to conceal the truth would ultimately fail. PTI Spokesperson stated that Shehbaz Sharif and Mohsin Naqvi along Atta Tarar, Khawaja Asif and other cabinet members were the criminals of the nation and history, and asserted that the nation would hold them accountable for their actions, no matter the consequences. He emphasized that the people were not watching speeches and statements on private TV channels and PTV, because they had witnessed firsthand the brutal, inhumane, and lawless treatment of peaceful protesters in Islamabad, who were simply exercising their fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the constitution. PTI Spokesperson emphasized that the
brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in Islamabad, resulting in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries from direct gunfire, would have a lasting impact and those responsible for this atrocity would be held accountable. He noted that the historic protest on November 24 was a representation of the entire nation, and by firing bullets at unarmed protesters, the fascist government had effectively pierced the hearts of 240 million Pakistanis. PTI Spokesperson alleged that the government had orchestrated a sinister plan to brutally suppress peaceful citizens using state force. However, he added that PTI successfully foiled this heinous plot, preventing Islamabad’s Jinnah Avenue from becoming a scene reminiscent of the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. PTI Spokesperson revealed a disturbing sequence of events, alleging that on the night of November 25, mere minutes after Mohsin
Naqvi’s press conference, Rangers opened fire with live ammunition, effectively conducting a dress rehearsal for the massacre at Chongi No 26. The following evening, he said that the area’s electricity was shut down, and a large-scale operation was launched, with the entire area cordoned off. PTI Spokesperson emphasized that from day one, police, Rangers, and FC had been deployed, and the Pakistan Army was also called in prior to the operation. PTI Spokesperson revealed that the government had taken drastic measures to conceal the truth, preventing national media from covering the protest from the outset and secretly directing media personnel to vacate the area before unleashing violence on the protesters. He condemned the brutal crackdown, stating that peaceful protesters were indiscriminately fired upon from all directions, including from rooftops of tall buildings sur-
rounding Jinnah Avenue, under the cover of darkness, adding that this senseless violence resulted in the martyrdom of over a dozen innocent civilians and left hundreds injured. PTI Spokesperson exposed a shocking cover-up, revealing that injured protesters taken to Islamabad’s two main hospitals were secretly transferred to unknown locations, with hospital administrators gagged from disclosing any information. Furthermore, he added that several bodies had mysteriously disappeared. PTI Spokesperson stated that doctors and paramedics, who were providing medical assistance to the injured at the protest site, were taken into custody along with their vehicles/ambulances and were beaten up. He said that millions of PTI’s workers and the public were completely unarmed and peaceful, exercising their fundamental constitutional right to protest within the bounds of the constitution, law and morality.