November 2024 Islamabad unrest

November 2024 Islamabad unrestDate| November 26, 2024 (2024-11-26)

|

Venue| D-Chowk (Islamabad)
Location| Islamabad, Pakistan
Cause| Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan
Arrest of Imran Khan
Allegations of rigging in the 2024 Pakistani general election
Motive|

* Release of Imran Khan
* Resignation of Sharif government
* Return of “stolen mandate”
* Empowerment of the Constitution

Deaths| 6+
Non-fatal injuries| Multiple
Missing| 100+
Arrests| 300+

On 26 November 2024, supporters of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan clashed with police in Islamabad. At least six people were killed in the violence,[1][2] and hundreds were injured.[3]

A violent crackdown by Pakistani security forces on supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad resulted in significant casualties. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party described the incident as a "massacre," claiming that hundreds of its members were killed as police fired live ammunition during the protests, which had escalated since November 24.[4][5] Reports indicate at least four deaths and numerous injuries among both protesters and security personnel. The government denied using live rounds, asserting that the situation was under control after clearing the protest area.[6][7]

## Preceding events

[edit]

### "Final Call" Announcement

[edit]

On 13 November 2024, Imran Khan issued a “final call” for a protest at D-Chowk, Islamabad from his imprisonment in Adiala Jail. The announcement was particularly in response to the Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, which was criticized for undermining the Judiciary while Khan and his party strongly opposed it.[8][9] Furthermore, the announcement was made with demands to end the Sharif government’s alleged “unjust arrests” and “stolen mandate”, which refers to PTI’s claim that PML-N rigged the 2024 Pakistani general election.[10][11] Khan’s aides, his sister Aleema Khanum and Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur urged Pakistanis to follow the protest call, which also was for Khan’s release.[11][12]

### Lockdown of Islamabad

[edit]

Ahead of the protests, Pakistani Law Enforcement and the Government locked down the capital: Islamabad, fortressing the capital with many shipping containers and the deployment of thousands of armed security personnel and paramilitary forces. Several highways and roads leading to the city were also blocked and barricaded by the government in attempt to prevent protesters from entering the capital.[13][14]

On 22 November 2024, Section 144 was imposed by the Punjab government of Maryam Nawaz, barring sit-ins, rallies or protests for 3 days officially due to security concerns ahead of the protests.[15] Prior to the protest, 4,000 PTI supporters and members were arrested and detained by the government.[16] The same day, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) declared that PTI’s protest was unlawful and it was necessary for the government to “maintain law and order”.[17]

### Internet restrictions

[edit]

Mobile internet and access to messaging services such as WhatsApp were blocked by the government in areas of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The organization NetBlocks confirmed this alongside media sharing issues across the country.[13][14][18]

## PTI Protest

[edit]

Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan's third wife, She led thousands of PTI supporters into Islamabad, breaching security barricades.[19] Addressed the public near D-Chowk (Democracy Chowk), vowing to hold a sit-in until Khan's release. Insisted on holding the protest at a central location near parliament, against Khan's instructions. Her active involvement marked a shift from her previously private role.[20][21][22]

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf initiated the protest on 24 November 2024 through several convoys across the country heading for D-Chowk by road. The largest and main convoy, led by Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi left from Peshawar. The convoy also included PTI lawmaker Shahid Ahmed Khattak.[23] The convoy would go through Swabi and cross the Hazara Interchange through removing police obstacles and barriers, then cross the Hakkla Interchange, through to reaching Islamabad.[24][25] PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram claimed the number of people to be 70,000 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone.[26] PTI supporters defied government lockdowns and clashed with police. Bushra Bibi addressed crowds from atop a truck near D-Chowk. The protest turned violent, resulting in at least six deaths. Security forces conducted a midnight raid on supporters.[3][19][27][28]

## Government Crackdown and Clashes

[edit]

The Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Police, Pakistan Armed Forces and Pakistan Rangers initiated a crackdown on the protests.[29] Heavy tear gas shelling was initially fired at protesters prior to reaching Islamabad.[30] Protestors reached the edge of the Red Zone resulting in deadly clashes with police. By the end of 27 November, six people were reported to be killed as the protests turned into violent clashes. Four of these were paramilitary forces and two police serving the government. 100 policemen were also reported to be injured.[31][32] The Guardian reported that the government had been criticized for a “draconian response”.[33] The government arrested 1,000 protesters.[34][35] Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif labelled the protesters as “bloodthirsty”, further saying that it is not a peaceful protest, it is extremism.[36] The Pakistan Armed Forces were deployed with orders of shoot-on-sight for the protesters.[37][38][39]

## Alleged Islamabad Massacre

[edit]

PTI and its supporters claimed that the government committed a "massacre", smothering protestors and firing live rounds to kill protesters in their midnight crackdown, with the arrest of 450 party supporters.[40][41][42][43] The government has denied using live rounds. Pakistan's security forces have been accused of pushing a man off a stack of cargo containers during the protests in the capital. Video footage showed officers carrying riot shields with markings indicating they were affiliated with the Pakistan Rangers, approaching the man kneeling while praying on top of the containers before pushing him over the edge. The video shows him trying to cling on to the containers before falling.[44] The protests were officially suspended by the party following the midnight crackdown.[45][46]

## International Reaction

[edit]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2024)

|

Amnesty International called for an “urgent and transparent” investigation into the crackdown which it called deadly for the protesters.[47] The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres deplored the violence in the protests, and called for calm and restraint on all sides.[48][49]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Supporters of ousted Pakistani leader clash with police, at least six people killed". Associated Press - via NPR.
2. ^ "Pakistani authorities start clearing Imran Khan supporters from the capital after deadly clashes". AP News. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
3. ^ a b Baloch, Shah Meer; Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (November 27, 2024). "Pakistan army and police accused of firing on Imran Khan supporters". The Guardian.
4. ^ PTI (2024-11-27). "Pakistan government's midnight crackdown ends protest by Imran Khan's party in Islamabad". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
5. ^ "Imran Khan's party calls off Islamabad protests following 'massacre', detentions". WION. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
6. ^ "4 dead in overnight crackdown against Imran Khan's party; PTI suspends protest in Islamabad". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
7. ^ "Pakistan's Capital Is Turned Upside Down by Unending Protests".
8. ^ "26th Amendment 'seriously' undermines judicial independence: UN rights chief". Dawn. 2024-10-23. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
9. ^ Ahmad, Zulfiqar (2024-10-24). "PTI decides to challenge 26th Amendment". Brecorder. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
10. ^ "Imran Khan gives 'final call' for protest on Nov 24". Dawn. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
11. ^ a b "'Final call': Imran urges supporters to march to Islamabad on 24th". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
12. ^ "Pakistan: Khyber CM Gandapur asks PTI supporter to "Prepare for final call"". ANI News. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
13. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference `:12` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
14. ^ a b "Pakistan's capital under official security lockdown due to opposition rally". Voice of America. 2024-11-24. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
15. ^ "Section 144 imposed in Punjab ahead of PTI's Nov 24 protest". The Express Tribune. 2024-11-22. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
16. ^ "Pakistani police detain over 4,000 before protests seeking release of ex-PM". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
17. ^ Asad, Malik (2024-11-22). "In blow to PTI, IHC rules its protest is 'unlawful'". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
18. ^ "WhatsApp restricted in Pakistan, NetBlocks confirms". Aaj English TV. 2024-11-24. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
19. ^ a b "All About Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan's Wife And Central Figure In Pakistan Protests". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
20. ^ "Who is Bushra Bibi, Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan's wife leading protests?".
21. ^ "Bushra Bibi leading PTI".
22. ^ Nicholls, Helen Regan, Catherine (2024-11-26). "A capital on lockdown, internet shutdowns and protesters clashing with police. What's going on in Pakistan?". CNN. Retrieved 2024-11-27.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
23. ^ "PTI convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Gandapur crosses Hazara interchange". ANI News. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
24. ^ "PTI convoy journey through map: two routes from Hakkla to D-Chowk". Aaj English TV. 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
25. ^ "Police resolve to act as Bushra Bibi spearheads PTI convoys to D-Chowk after removing barriers". Dunya News. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
26. ^ Cite error: The named reference `:13` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
27. ^ Nicholls, Helen Regan, Catherine (2024-11-26). "A capital on lockdown, internet shutdowns and protesters clashing with police. What's going on in Pakistan?". CNN. Retrieved 2024-11-27.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
28. ^ "PTI D-Chowk protest: Terrorism cases filed against Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Ali Amin Gandapur". The Express Tribune. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
29. ^ "Pakistan police crackdown clears Imran Khan protesters from Islamabad". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
30. ^ "Police fire tear gas as thousands supporting former Prime Minister Khan arrive near capital". AP News. 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
31. ^ "6 die in Pakistan as protesters demand Imran's release, govt deploys army in capital". The Times of India. 2024-11-27. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
32. ^ Shahzad, Asif (26 November 2024). "Pakistani forces launch midnight raid on ex-PM Imran Khan's supporters, local media reports". Reuters.
33. ^ Cite error: The named reference `:14` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
34. ^ "Almost 1,000 arrested as Pakistani police crack down on pro-Khan march". France 24. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
35. ^ "1,000 People Protesting For Imran Khan's Released Arrested In Pakistan". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
36. ^ Ali, Muhammad Jawad (2024-11-26). "PM Shehbaz condemns violence, calls protesters bloodthirsty". Minute Mirror. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
37. ^ "Pakistan Army deployed in Islamabad, given shoot-on-sight orders". www.samaa.tv. 2024-11-28. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
38. ^ "Pakistan army told to 'shoot on sight' as protests turn deadly". Bangkok Post. 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
39. ^ "Pakistan in Crisis: Govt Imposes Shoot-on-Sight Orders After Deadly Protests by Imran Khan's Backers". 2024-11-26. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
40. ^ "'Massacre', says Imran Khan-led PTI as 450 get arrested in Pakistan govt's crackdown". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
41. ^ "Pakistan's political tensions escalate after new violent clashes". The Washington Post. 27 November 2024.
42. ^ "Islamabad Massacre: Hundreds of Imran supporters smothered, PTI calls it 'darkest hour of Pakistan'". The Economic Times. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
43. ^ "Pakistan protest: Security forces launch midnight raid on Imran Khan's supporters". The Times of India. 2024-11-27. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
44. ^ "Imran Khan: Pakistan forces accused of pushing man off containers in Islamabad". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
45. ^ "Supporters of Pakistan's Imran Khan call off protest, local media says". NBC News. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
46. ^ PTI (2024-11-27). "Imran Khan's party suspends protest in Islamabad; at least four dead in overnight crackdown". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
47. ^ "Urgent and transparent investigation needed into protest crackdown". Amnesty International. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
48. ^ "UN chief deplores violence in ongoing opposition protests in Pakistan". The Nation. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.
49. ^ "UN calls for calm and restraint by sides in Pakistan protests". ARY NEWS. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-27.

* v
* t
* e

Imran Khan

* Prime Minister of Pakistan (2018–2022)
* Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (1996–2023)
* Member of Parliament (2002–2007; 2013–2023)

Life and politics|

* Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
* 2014 Tsunami March
* Go Nawaz Go
* Inqilab March
* Ihtisab March
* 2018 Pakistani general election
* 2022 Azadi march
* 2022 Azadi March-II
* Attempted assassination
* Al-Qadir Trust case
* Arrest

Premiership|

* Oath of office
* First 100 days
* Ministry
* International trips
* 2019 India–Pakistan border skirmishes
* Ehsaas Programme
* Kamyab Jawan Program
* Plant for Pakistan
* COVID-19 pandemic
* 2022 Pakistani political crises
* No-confidence motion
* Constitutional crisis
* Lettergate

Cricket career|

* 1992 Cricket World Cup
* International cricket five-wicket hauls

Legal affairs|

* Al-Qadir Trust case
* Toshakhana reference case
* Tyrian White case
* Iddat case

Family|

* Jemima Goldsmith (first wife, divorced)
* Reham Khan (second wife, divorced)
* Bushra Bibi (third wife, current)
* Ahmed Raza (uncle)
* Wajid Ali Khan Burki (uncle)
* Jahangir Khan (uncle)
* Humayun Zaman (uncle)
* Babar Zaman (cousin)
* Ijaz Khan (cousin)
* Bilal Omer Khan (cousin)
* Hafeez Ullah Niazi (cousin)
* Inamullah Niazi (cousin)
* Najeebullah Khan Niazi (cousin)
* Jamshed Burki (cousin)
* Javed Burki (cousin)
* Majid Khan (cousin)
* Asad Jahangir (cousin)
* Sanaullah Khan Niazi (cousin)
* Amin Ullah Khan (cousin)
* Zahid Ali Akbar Khan (cousin)
* Sherandaz Khan (cousin)
* Bazid Khan (nephew)
* Kamran Khan (nephew)
* Pets

Residences|

* Bani Gala
* Zaman Park

Bibliography|

* Pakistan: A Personal History

Organizations founded|

* Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
* Namal University

Related|

* Awards and honours

Category:Imran Khan

* v
* t
* e

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

Leader|

* Imran Khan

Chairman|

* Gohar Ali Khan

Executive Committee|

* Shah Mehmood Qureshi
* Omar Ayub Khan
* Shibli Faraz
* Murad Saeed
* Parvez Elahi
* Atif Khan
* Firdous Naqvi
* Asad Qaiser
* Babar Awan
* Qasim Khan Suri
* Raoof Hasan

Current provincial presidents|

* Hammad Azhar
* Haleem Adil Sheikh
* Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi
* Ali Amin Gandapur

Other prominent leaders|

* Arif Alvi
* Azam Swati
* Zartaj Gul
* Waleed Iqbal
* Taimur Khan Jhagra
* Yasmin Rashid
* Malik Aamir Dogar
* Mian Aslam Iqbal
* Ejaz Chaudhary
* Ali Muhammad Khan
* Shehryar Khan Afridi
* Faisal Javed Khan
* Mehmood-ur-Rasheed
* Omer Sarfraz Cheema
* Iftikhar Durrani
* Shahram Khan Tarakai
* Junaid Akbar
* Fazal Muhammad Khan
* Aliya Hamza Malik
* Shaukat Ali Yousafzai
* Sheikh Waqas Akram

Activities|

* 2014 Azadi March
* Insaf Student Federation
* Naya Pakistan
* Pakistan Ehtesab March
* Panama Papers case
* Huqooq-e-Sindh March
* 2022 public gatherings
* 2022 Azadi march
* 2022 Azadi March II
* Jail Bharo Tehreek

Governance|

* Premiership of Imran Khan
* Government
* First 100 days
* Plant for Pakistan
* Elected members (2013–2018)
* Members of the 15th National Assembly of Pakistan

* Chief ministership of Pervez Khattak
* Billion Tree Tsunami
* Chief ministership of Mahmood Khan
* Chief ministership of Usman Buzdar (Ministry)
* Chief ministership of Ali Amin Gandapur (Ministry)

Controversies|

* PTI prohibited funding case
* No-confidence motion against Imran Khan
* Lettergate
* Imran Khans Toshakhana reference case
* 2023 Pakistan election delay case
* May 9 riots
* Military courts case
* Intra-party elections case

Related|

* Go Nawaz Go
* Killing of Ali Bilal

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template