Amnesty International has urged the Pakistani government to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the deadly crackdown on opposition protesters in Islamabad. The protests, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for the release of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Reports of excessive force, including live ammunition, have sparked global outrage, with Amnesty highlighting “disturbing testimonies” of unlawful actions by security forces.
Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, criticized the government’s opaque handling of the situation:“The escalation of violence, shutdown of mobile internet services, mass detentions, and alarming rhetoric against PTI protesters by the authorities speaks of a pattern of intolerance for the right to freedom of peaceful assembly throughout the country.”
Amnesty emphasized the importance of accountability, urging authorities to release protesters detained solely for exercising their rights and to lift restrictions on media and communication.
Media Blackout and Allegations of Foul Play
The international media has painted a grim picture of the events in Islamabad, citing reports of mass detentions, communication blackouts, and the use of shoot-on-sight orders. The Guardian reported that at least 17 civilians were killed, with dozens suffering bullet injuries. Medical professionals in Islamabad alleged that authorities confiscated hospital records to obscure the true scale of casualties.
One emergency doctor, speaking anonymously, revealed:
“All records of dead and injured have been confiscated by authorities. We are not allowed to talk. Senior government officials are visiting the hospital to hide the records.”
Meanwhile, security officials claimed no deaths occurred, contradicting eyewitness accounts and media reports. This inconsistency has fueled suspicions of a deliberate cover-up by the government, backed by the military establishment.
Journalist Arrest Highlights Media Repression
The crackdown extended to media freedom with the arrest of prominent journalist Matiullah Jan. Jan, known for his criticism of the military’s influence in politics, was apprehended while investigating the casualties. His arrest came hours after he exposed hospital records contradicting the government’s denial of live ammunition use and protester fatalities.
Jan’s lawyer, Imaan Mazari, described the charges—ranging from terrorism to drug peddling—as fabricated and politically motivated. Amnesty International condemned the arrest as an affront to press freedom, stating:
“This is yet another example of the establishment-backed regime silencing dissent through harassment and intimidation.”
Jan had faced similar abductions in the past, underscoring the precarious state of journalistic integrity in Pakistan.
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Global Reactions and Calls for Accountability
International condemnation has grown, with lawmakers in the United States and human rights organizations voicing alarm. Congressman Ro Khanna called for visa bans and asset freezes on senior Pakistani officials, accusing the military regime of gross human rights violations.
Amnesty International’s appeal has amplified demands for a comprehensive inquiry into the events in Islamabad. The organization also criticized the government’s broader pattern of suppressing peaceful dissent, drawing parallels to earlier crackdowns on Baloch and Pashtun protesters.
The Cost of Suppressing Dissent
The violent crackdown on PTI protesters has exposed Pakistan’s deepening political and human rights crisis. The government’s inability to provide transparent answers, coupled with arrests of dissenting voices like Matiullah Jan, has drawn sharp criticism at home and abroad. As calls for accountability grow louder, the Pakistani government faces mounting pressure to respect fundamental freedoms and uphold the rule of law.
A truly independent investigation, free from the influence of Pakistan’s entrenched military establishment, is imperative to restore public trust and address the grievances fueling unrest. Without transparency and accountability, Pakistan risks further alienation on the global stage while undermining its own democratic foundations.