Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan revealed on Monday that jailed party founder Imran Khan expressed grief over casualties during the crackdown on PTI’s “final call” protests in Islamabad. Khan instructed PTI lawmakers to raise the issue in the National Assembly and Senate.
Speaking to the media after meeting Khan in Adiala Jail, Gohar shared that Khan was unaware of protest developments due to the lack of access to news. Khan directed the submission of a parliamentary requisition to discuss and protest the deaths of 12 PTI workers, alongside casualties among law enforcement, including four security personnel. The government has denied reports of fatalities or that law enforcement opened fire.
The November 24 protest, aimed at securing Khan’s release after over a year in prison, ended abruptly on November 27, with nearly 1,000 PTI supporters detained. Gohar emphasized that firing should never occur during protests, regardless of the location, and urged unity among PTI ranks.
Addressing criticism over the protest’s location, Gohar clarified that the aim was impactful demonstrations, not reaching D-Chowk, as some speculated. He criticized the focus on venue debates, urging attention to the protest casualties instead.
Despite the challenges, Gohar affirmed PTI’s commitment to continuing its political struggle and dismissed rumors of Imran Khan’s ill health, stating he remains in good condition at Adiala Jail.
