The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf distanced itself from those party leaders who had made hundreds of death claims when the authorities launched an operation against the protesters on the third day of PTI’s Islamabad march.

“Will not issue irresponsible statements. Only 12 of our supporters martyred [in firing],” PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan told reporters outside the Adiala Jail after meeting former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday.

His statements came after several party leaders, including some from the top leadership, claimed that hundreds of people died when the law enforcement agencies allegedly opened fire at them on November 26 night. But the government has denied such allegations and accused the PTI of making false claims.

Thousands of PTI supporters marched on November 24 from different cities to Islamabad for Khan’s release. They managed to reach the federal capital despite roadblocks and disruptions to the internet and cellular services. At least six people, including a police officer and three Rangers officials, lost their lives during three days of protests, as reported by officials and hospital sources.

The protest was called off on the third day.

Last week, PTI’s information secretary put rumours of a big death toll to rest when he told reporters that at least 12 PTI supporters were allegedly killed in the firing.

On Sunday, the interior ministry in a detailed notification clarified that there was no direct clash between the Pakistan Army and the mob during the PTI protest.

“LEAs comprising police and rangers were employed without live ammunition to disperse this violent mob while the army neither came in direct clash with these miscreants nor employed for riot control,” it said and added that the party leadership, instead of controlling the violent mob, fled from the scene.

According to Gohar, there should have been no gunfire during the sit-in or protest, regardless of the location. “The PTI founder condemned the violence in strong terms and ordered care for the injured and paid tribute to all party workers and leaders.”

The meeting took place following the final call and addressed the Islamabad protest incident, he said and added that party leaders provided Khan with information about the protest. He claimed that the former prime minister had no access to newspapers or television to understand what transpired in Islamabad on November 26.

“The PTI founder praised the workers who took to the streets. Khan has ordered members to attend the National Assembly and Senate sessions to raise the issue in Parliament and protest,” Gohar said and added that Khan would announce the specific future course of action later.

He further stated that party leader informed Khan about the Rangers, police, and the martyrs of PTI, to which he expressed “deep sorrow” over all the deaths.

Khan, according to Gohar, has urged the party to maintain unity as “opponents are trying to create divisions.” He added that the party has only “one demand: to understand why shots were fired.”

There should have been no gunfire, regardless of where it originated, he said and condemned anyone responsible for it.

Gohar also paid tribute to the MNAs and MPAs from Punjab, acknowledging their struggles during difficult times.

In response to a question, he clarified that false news regarding the health of the PTI founder was circulating. “Imran Khan is perfectly fine in Adiala Jail.”

He said: “There was no specific purpose for everyone to gather at D-Chowk, nor was there an instruction for every leader to converge there.” Gohar clarified that “no leader was asked to come to D-Chowk with the rally at that time; rather, everyone was performing their respective duties and maintaining communication with one another.” He accused those trying to sow discord of focusing on D-Chowk.

Gohar also called for the establishment of an inquiry commission regarding the incident, insisting that action must be taken against whoever fired the shots.

Meanwhile, PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry told reporters that he met with the PTI founder after the November 26 incident. He criticised the police officials for not complying with court orders and mentioned that show-cause notices have been issued to the chief police officer and other officers for failing to facilitate the meeting.

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Faisal claimed that Khan “is in good health,” but access to information concerning recent events has been restricted.

He added that the former prime minister was facing judicial proceedings in seven cases and the court has requested reports on all such cases from the regional police officer. He also noted that Khan’s sisters were not allowed to meet with him today (Monday).

Furthermore, Faisal added that a “peaceful march” would be held in Peshawar to honour the PTI supporters killed in protest.

He went on to add that Khan praised former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s efforts for the party.