The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Monday released a fact-finding report calling for an independent, impartial inquiry into the alleged loss of life among Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters in Islamabad on Nov. 26.
The 14-page report states that it believes deaths occurred during the protests contrary to the federal government’s claims, adding there were also reported deaths among security personnel.
Citing oral testimonies from state representatives, the PTI leadership, reporters on the ground and the families of seven people allegedly killed during the protest, the HRCP expressed concern over allegations hospital administrations and police had withheld the bodies of victims until their families agreed not to pursue any legal action. It noted that the hospital administrations did not speak with HRCP’s fact-finding team, but accounts from journalists and the families of alleged victims suggested they might be concealing information.
The report also noted that some protesters were armed with slingshots, tear gas shells and firearms, stressing that while the right to peaceful assembly was constitutionally guaranteed, it must remain within the bounds of the law. However, it added, the administration demonstrated a clear lack of proficiency in managing the protest and used force excessively and disproportionately. It noted that it could not meet Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to inquire about the alleged use of live ammunition against protesters.
The fact-finding team also expressed alarm over mainstream media’s blackout of the protest, noting it might have been state coercion or self-censorship.
Earlier, the PTI had demanded the formation of a judicial commission to probe the May 9 riots and the Nov. 26 protest as a prerequisite to talks aimed at achieving political stability. The talks collapsed after the PTI accused the government of failing to form the commissions.