Omar Ayub alleges deaths, disappearances following Islamabad protest, demands justice
Opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan has accused the government of killing 12 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and causing the disappearance of over 200 others during a peaceful protest in Islamabad on November 24. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar alongside senior PTI leaders Asad Qaiser, Shibli Faraz, and Sheikh Waqas Akram, Ayub condemned the alleged use of force against unarmed protesters.
Ayub claimed that the government deployed firearms, including US-made sniper rifles, to suppress the protest, resulting in fatalities and injuries. He alleged that over 5,000 PTI workers were arrested and that injured protesters were harassed and coerced into falsifying medical reports. “Hospital morgues were emptied, and the injured were labeled as accident victims,” Ayub stated.
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Ayub further accused the government of imposing a “virtual martial law,” comparing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership style to that of Adolf Hitler. He demanded an independent inquiry into the November 24 incident and the immediate release of detained PTI workers.
“We demand a transparent investigation into who ordered the use of firearms on unarmed citizens,” Ayub said, warning that failure to deliver justice could lead to civil disobedience. He emphasized the need for accountability to prevent further profiling and violence against youth.
Ayub announced the formation of a high-powered negotiation committee, including Asad Qaiser, Ali Amin Gandapur, Hamid Raza, and himself, to engage in dialogue with the government. “Anyone willing to negotiate is welcome,” he said, reiterating PTI’s commitment to resolving issues peacefully.
Senator Shibli Faraz echoed Ayub’s sentiments, urging the government to involve the PTI committee in constructive dialogue. “Pakistan, with its 250 million population, deserves the rule of law,” Faraz said. He also highlighted the potential dangers of prolonged unrest, particularly in terrorism-prone regions like Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, calling for urgent resolution to prevent youth from turning to extremism.
To honor those who lost their lives, PTI announced a prayer ceremony in Peshawar on December 13. International PTI chapters will hold a similar global prayer initiative on December 15, underscoring the party’s efforts to unite its members worldwide.
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser refuted allegations of violence by PTI workers, stating, “None of our workers fired a single bullet. The government itself is sowing seeds of hatred by firing on peaceful protesters.” Qaiser criticized the government for its approach, including the closure of cross-border trade with Afghanistan, and emphasized PTI’s adherence to constitutional rights.
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