Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Sher Afzal Marwat has hinted at another protest in January, as the party reels from the Islamabad protest that resulted in 12 deaths.
“We believe that by January, we will have recovered from the aftershocks and be ready to protest again,” he said while appearing through a video link on Spotlight with Munizae Jahangir which was aired on Aaj News on Tuesday.
Thousands of PTI supporters marched on November 24 from different cities to Islamabad for Khan’s “final call” to “ensure the release of party members and restoration of democracy.” But the protest was called off on the third day.
They managed to reach the federal capital despite roadblocks and disruptions to the internet and cellular services.
According to the former ruling party, 12 of their followers were killed in firing on the last day of the protest. PTI’s information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram shared details in a press conference on November 29.
In the interview, he praised the Aaj News for being the first to confirm the deaths of eight individuals and added that the party can provide details for four more.
He added that the party would “strictly follow” new directives from PTI founder Imran Khan. Evidence would be gathered against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and several SHOs and officers of the Islamabad police to file a criminal complaint under Section 302 (punishment of qatl-i-amd) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
“Separate complaints will be filed for each victim against those responsible for their deaths and legal action will also be taken regarding the injured.”
The PTI leader pointed out that FIRs are “typically in the hands” of the government, which has already filed complaints for such incidents. He noted that the Supreme Court has ruled that regardless of the details of an incident, an FIR can be filed for any version of the event, meaning a second FIR cannot be registered for the same occurrence.
Therefore, he added that their alternative solution lies in filing a criminal complaint under Section 200 (using as true such declaration knowing it to be false) of the Pakistan Penal Code, which is a “very strong approach.” He emphasised that just like prosecution occurs in FIR cases, it also applies in private complaints, stating that the party would finalise all details soon and take them to court.
In response to a question about whether the blame for gunfire lies with the government or the military, Marwat stated: “Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had previously assigned responsibility to the establishment. Nawaz had expressed gratitude to the army for its assistance, a statement that has not been retracted.”
The PTI leader, known for his outspoken demeanor, added that the operation involved professional personnel and sniper rifles, suggesting it extended beyond the police’s jurisdiction. “The army had been formally called in and prior statements from the interior minister indicated that if peaceful methods are not effective, force will be employed—comments made before the incident occurred.”
He added that Khan has limited accountability to the PM, interior minister, and police officials, indicating that any claims would be pursued under those directives.
When asked about the protest incidents, Marwat claimed that a fire was not set on Bushra Bibi’s container; however, paint was thrown on her vehicle, and shots were fired at the tires.
He alleged that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s vehicle was hit by 13 bullets, and attempts were made to abduct him in two instances. He recounted an incident where their vehicle was “rammed as they were entering KP via the Manal route, describing the difficulties they faced as part of a long story.”
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The PTI lawmaker claimed that a narrative of division is being propagated between factions of the PTI at the behest of anti-party forces.
“If the government compensates the families of slain workers and offers an apology, it could create an environment conducive to dialogue; otherwise, it would be unacceptable for PTI to engage with those responsible for the deaths.”
In response to another question, Marwat expressed confidence in Gandapur, saying that undermining his character could harm the party.
“The party is currently focused on the cases filed against its members,” he said.
