Draft:Islamabad Massacre

The Islamabad Massacre refers to the violent events that took place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the night of November 26 and the early hours of November 27, 2024. Pakistan Rangers and Army opened fire on supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who were peacefully protesting for his release from jail at D-Chowk, Islamabad. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with accusations of excessive use of force by the police and military against unarmed civilians. Reports indicate several fatalities and numerous injuries, with official sources told the Guardian there had been 17 civilian fatalities from army and paramilitary gunfire and hundreds more had been injured, before government stopped hospitals from sharing any information. Eyewitnesses allege that the armed forces used sniper rifles to shoot at protestors as they were retreating. Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and many independent journalists claims that the military took over the area and the disappeared the bodies by morning. The incident has been described as one of the most severe crackdowns on political dissent in modern Pakistani history. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf remarked that "Pakistan is going through its darkest times".

Background

In recent years, Pakistan’s political landscape has been increasingly polarized. Imran Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, has remained a prominent opposition leader and a critic of the current government. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has organized numerous protests against current Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claimed election rigging, and state oppression.

On November 27, 2024, a large number of Khan’s supporters gathered in Islamabad to protest against the Sharif government’s policies and to demand for the release of Imran Khan from jail. The PTI described the demonstration as largely peaceful, with many participants chanting slogans and carrying banners supporting Khan and denouncing state oppression. On the 27th, the Associated Press reported that four paramilitary soldiers had been killed by protesters and that two protesters had been killed by Pakistani authorities.

The Incident

Eyewitness accounts and media reports allege that security forces, including the police and paramilitary, used live ammunition to disperse the crowd. Videos filmed in the area show chaotic scenes of protesters fleeing as gunshots rang out. Several protesters were reportedly killed, while many others sustained injuries. Ambulances were seen rushing to the site, and hospitals in Islamabad received an influx of wounded individuals."Pakistan army and police accused of firing on Imran Khan supporters". The Guardian. 27 November 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.

According to the Guardian, an emergency room doctor in Islamabad said "all records of dead and injured" from protests "have been confiscated by authorities. We are not allowed to talk. Senior government officials are visiting the hospital to hide the records."

Authorities claimed the use of force was necessary to maintain public order, citing instances of alleged violence against soldiers by protesters. However, opposition leaders and human rights organizations have refuted these claims, insisting the protesters were unarmed and peaceful.

Reactions

Domestic

Political leaders from across the spectrum condemned the incident, with PTI labeling it a “state-sponsored massacre.

The government, however, defended the actions of the security forces, emphasizing the need to prevent chaos and maintain stability after Khan supporters entered a high security capital zone.

International

The massacre drew condemnation from international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which called for an independent investigation. Several countries expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan, urging restraint and dialogue. Carter Center released a statement stating "Reports that a number of protestors were killed are deeply worrying. Pakistani authorities should conduct a credible and transparent investigation". Fatima Payman, Senator for Western Australia called for Australian government to take action like the US Congress and impose visa bans and asset freezes on General Asim Munir. U.S. representative Ro Khanna tweeted "Horrified by reports of an attempted cover-up of the alleged killings of peaceful protesters by Asim Munir's regime in Pakistan". Congressman Greg Casar stated "Thousands of Pakistanis are protesting for democracy & are being met with violent repression. I am hearing reports that the government is using live fire & tear gas against protesters".

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, a U.S. lawmaker from Michigan, described the repression of protesters in Pakistan and the escalation of political violence as “an attempt to suppress democracy and human rights”.

Aftermath

In the days following the massacre, protests erupted across Pakistan, with thousands taking to the streets to show support for the victims. The government imposed curfews in major cities and restricted Internet access and mobile phone service in "areas with security concerns." Previously, the government suspended cell phone service in Islamabad the previous October to quash a protest supporting Khan.

The Islamabad Massacre has raised concerns among observers about the country’s democratic future. Calls for accountability and justice for the victims continue to grow, both domestically and internationally.

Senior journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted by the by intelligence agencies in Islamabad for reporting on the incident. Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned his abduction and called on Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the disappearance of journalist Matiullah Jan and ensure his safety.

References

[1] "Pakistan army and police accused of firing on Imran Khan supporters," The Guardian, November 27, 2024. [2] Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on the incident.