Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has strongly criticized the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for spreading false allegations about the November 26 protest in Islamabad. According to reports, the minister accused PTI of fabricating claims that law enforcement agencies fired at protesters and misleading the public with baseless narratives.
Challenge to PTI’s Claims
During a televised address, Tarar demanded that PTI provide evidence to back its accusations. He emphasized that no security personnel had opened fire on protesters. “There is not a single video in which law enforcement agencies can be seen directly firing on protesters. They [PTI protesters] have all kinds of videos, but there is no video evidence of [direct firing] as this never happened,” Tarar said, as reported by ARY News.
Viral Video Disputed
Tarar also addressed a viral video featuring a man who claimed to have been shot during the protest. He pointed out that when the man’s bandage was removed, no bullet wound was visible. This, according to Tarar, further highlighted the opposition’s attempts to deceive the public.
Allegations of Fabricated Death Toll
The minister dismissed PTI’s claims that hundreds of protesters had died during the demonstration. He challenged PTI to produce evidence, including the bodies of the alleged victims. Tarar sarcastically remarked that the supposed deaths only seemed to exist on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X, and WhatsApp.
Criticism of PTI’s Response to Casualties
Tarar also criticized PTI for ignoring the deaths of security personnel during the protest. He referred to a statement by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan from PTI, who acknowledged 12 deaths but did not extend condolences to the families of four Rangers and a police officer who lost their lives.
Overall, the minister accused PTI of deliberately spreading misinformation to incite unrest and undermine the government. His statements reinforced the government’s position that no unlawful action was taken against protesters on November 26.
