Politics

PTI Withdraws Claim of Hundreds of Deaths at D-Chowk

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially withdrawn its earlier claims of hundreds of deaths during the D-Chowk protests in Islamabad, which took place in November 2024. Initially, PTI leadership had alleged that security forces had killed hundreds of their workers during the unrest, but the party has now retracted those figures in light of official reports and medical records.

The claims of mass casualties were strongly contested by government officials, including Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, who asserted that the number of deaths had been greatly exaggerated. Hospitals in Islamabad reported a significantly lower toll, with only a few fatalities and numerous injuries, including both protestors and security personnel.

The retraction came after further investigation revealed discrepancies in PTI’s reports. Medical professionals and hospital staff either denied the occurrence of large-scale deaths or declined to comment due to apparent pressure from authorities. The revised, more accurate figures have helped clarify the situation, although questions remain about the initial misinformation.

This development has shifted the narrative surrounding the protests and their aftermath, with PTI facing criticism for overstating the scale of the violence. The incident highlights the complexities of political protests in Pakistan, where conflicting reports and narratives can complicate public understanding of events.

Politics

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Willing to Resign If It Improves Security

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has expressed his willingness to step down if his resignation can contribute to improving the country’s security situation. Speaking at a press conference, Asif stated that national security is his top priority, and he is ready to make any sacrifice necessary to strengthen Pakistan’s defense and stability.

His remarks come amid rising concerns over the recent surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The minister emphasized that addressing security threats requires a collective effort from all stakeholders and called for national unity in the fight against terrorism. His statement has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of the government’s security policies and the political implications of his potential resignation.

Politics

Fazlur Rehman: JUI-F Plans to Protest Against Govt Policies with PTI After Eid

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has announced plans to launch a protest movement against the government’s policies in collaboration with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after Eid. Speaking to party workers, he criticized the current administration for failing to address economic hardships, inflation, and governance issues. He stated that the government’s inability to provide relief to the people has led to widespread discontent, making protests inevitable.

Fazlur Rehman, who has previously been a staunch critic of PTI, emphasized that political differences must be set aside for the sake of national interests. He added that his party would hold countrywide demonstrations to demand economic stability and policy reforms. This unexpected alliance between JUI-F and PTI signals a shift in Pakistan’s political landscape, as opposition forces unite against the ruling coalition.

Politics

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Global Action Against Islamophobia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the international community to take concrete steps to combat the rising tide of Islamophobia worldwide. Speaking at a high-level forum, he highlighted the increasing incidents of hate crimes, discrimination, and violence against Muslims in various parts of the world. He emphasized that Islamophobia not only threatens peace and social harmony but also fuels extremism by marginalizing communities.

The prime minister called on global leaders, international organizations, and human rights groups to work together to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect. He also stressed the need for strict legal measures to prevent hate speech and attacks targeting Muslims. Pakistan, he reaffirmed, remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of Muslims globally while strengthening diplomatic efforts to address religious intolerance at international platforms.