PTI Retracts Claim of Hundreds of Martyrs in D-Chowk Incident, Confirms 12 Casualties

Rawalpindi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made a significant U-turn, retracting its earlier claim of hundreds of party workers being martyred during the security forces’ crackdown in Islamabad’s D-Chowk on the night of November 26. The party has now confirmed that only 12 workers lost their lives in the incident.
Following a meeting with PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar told the media that the final call had been made to brief Imran Khan about the situation. He added that due to limited access to news outlets, the party founder had been unaware of the details of the Islamabad protest and the subsequent crackdown.
Barrister Gohar expressed that PTI workers who had participated in the protest were deserving of appreciation. Imran Khan’s message to the party was to engage in parliamentary proceedings, attend National Assembly and Senate sessions, and raise the matter within parliament. The party leader emphasized that further instructions regarding the next course of action would be announced by Imran Khan at a later time.
Regarding the casualties, Barrister Gohar confirmed that they had informed Imran Khan about the martyrdom of PTI workers, as well as the involvement of Rangers and police forces. The PTI founder expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, condemning the use of force against the protesters. He stressed that no one should have fired upon the demonstrators, regardless of the circumstances.
Imran Khan further ordered that proper medical care be provided to the injured, and he commended both the party workers and leaders for their dedication. Barrister Gohar clarified that the PTI leadership, including Ali Amin Gandapur, had never made claims of “hundreds of martyrs” and emphasized that the party would avoid issuing irresponsible statements.
On the health of Imran Khan, Barrister Gohar dismissed rumors, assuring that the PTI founder was in good health and well within the premises of Adiala Jail.
The PTI’s statement marks a departure from its earlier narrative and reflects the party’s revised stance on the events of November 26.