ISLAMABAD: A viral video circulating on social media shows a PTI protester being forcefully pushed off a container by Rangers personnel during a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The video has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the actions of the security forces.
In the video, the protester is seen praying on top of a container, which had been placed at D-Chowk to block roads during the protests. As the man kneels in prayer, four Rangers personnel with shields and batons approach him. One of the Rangers pushes the protester, who attempts to grab onto the corner of the container to save himself but eventually falls to the ground.
What Do the Government and PTI Say?
After the incident, PTI supporters claimed that the protester died as a result of the push from the Rangers.
PTI leader Zulfi Bukhari spoke to International media and claimed that many of their party members were still missing, and about nine individuals had been killed from gunshot wounds. He also claimed that 40 bodies had been brought to Islamabad’s public hospitals.
Interior Minister’s Response
When asked about the viral video during a press conference, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, avoided directly commenting on the incident. He said, “Since the PTI protesters fled, there has been sudden propaganda about 33 bodies in one hospital and many more in another. Their people have been visiting hospitals to search for bodies, and they can come and check tomorrow as well.”
Minister Naqvi further stated, “No one has given me the name or details of any deceased person yet.”
It is important to note that PTI’s Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, claimed that hundreds of PTI workers had been killed in a law enforcement operation in Islamabad.
