Islamabad: Inspector General (IG) Islamabad, Ali Naser Rizvi, revealed that 954 protesters were arrested during the three-day Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in the capital. Addressing a joint press conference with Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, IG Rizvi stated that 210 vehicles and a significant cache of weapons, including AK-47s and sniper rifles, were seized during the crackdown.
IG Rizvi clarified that peaceful protests are a democratic right, but actions such as attacking law enforcement, damaging public and private property, and blockading a city of 2.5 million people cannot be classified as peaceful demonstrations. He condemned the use of firearms and violent tactics, emphasizing, “Protests do not involve direct firing on law enforcement or the use of weapons like AK-47s. If this is considered a protest, then such protests will not be tolerated.”
He further elaborated that the protesters were heavily armed and engaged in violent attacks on police and Rangers. The violence began on November 24, with protesters firing live ammunition and launching tear gas attacks. “Resources from a provincial government were used to carry out these acts of violence,” IG Rizvi alleged, adding that protesters brought sniper rifles, wore masks, and targeted law enforcement officials with precision attacks.
He reported that 71 law enforcement personnel were injured during the clashes, with 27 suffering gunshot wounds. Tragically, three Rangers personnel lost their lives while defending the capital. The financial damage caused by the unrest is estimated to be in the billions of rupees.
Commissioner Islamabad’s Remarks
Speaking at the press conference, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, outlined the legal framework for protests in the capital. He explained that the Islamabad High Court has designated Sangjani as the official protest site, and protesters were instructed to demonstrate there. “Despite being directed to Sangjani, they insisted on holding the protest wherever they wanted,” he said.
The commissioner highlighted that during the protest, Safe City cameras were destroyed, green belts and trees were set on fire, and metro stations were vandalized. “While international dignitaries were arriving in the city, protesters launched attacks, creating chaos,” he added.
Randhawa assured that security in Islamabad has been tightened, with containers removed from key locations and patrols increased. He warned that no individual, including foreigners, would be allowed to breach the law in the capital. “Without security clearance, no one will be allowed to stay in Islamabad,” he emphasized.
The commissioner also reported incidents of journalists being assaulted and petrol stations being targeted by protesters. Authorities have launched a search operation to maintain law and order in the city and ensure the safety of residents and public property.
