Political Unrest in Pakistan: The Alleged ‘Islamabad Massacre’ and Its Aftermath

A peaceful protest in Pakistan's capital turned deadly last week, sparking national outrage and raising alarms about the country’s political stability. 

On November 26, a clash between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and security forces left many injured and others dead, leading to the emergence of the hashtag #IslamabadMassacre on social media. 

As accusations fly, the government and opposition leaders are embroiled in a bitter battle over what happened, and what this event means for Pakistan’s future. 

Disputed Casualties and Government Denial 

The roots of the chaos can be traced back to November 13, when Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and founder of PTI, called for nationwide protests. 

From behind bars, Khan demanded the restoration of PTI’s electoral mandate, the release of party members detained by the state, and the reversal of the 26th amendment, which he claimed had empowered a "dictatorial regime." The protest, initially planned for November 24, turned violent when PTI supporters clashed with police forces two days later in Islamabad. 

Reports from hospitals and social media sources indicate a heavy toll from the clashes. 

Sources have revealed the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences received two bodies and 28 injured individuals with gunshot wounds, but no official casualty report has been released. 

PTI leaders, however, claim the death toll is significantly higher, with Secretary General Salman Akram Raja suggesting up to 20 fatalities. The conflicting reports raise doubts about the accuracy of the numbers and the state’s transparency. 

The Pakistani government has denied the claims of mass casualties, asserting that no live ammunition was used by security personnel. 

Despite the denial, the administration is facing mounting pressure from critics who argue that the use of force was excessive. 

Bushra Bibi with PTI leaders and supporters, heading the protest in Islamabad 

 

Additionally, the government has accused Bushra Bibi, Imran Khan's wife, of orchestrating the unrest. This allegation has thrust Bushra Bibi, previously a private figure, into the political spotlight. Some analysts believe her growing visibility is part of PTI’s strategy to mobilize support in the absence of its jailed leader. 

Internal Divisions Within PTI and Future Protests 

On November 30, PTI’s political committee issued a statement expressing concern for Imran Khan’s health and demanding full access to him by his legal team, family and party officials. After more than 500 days in jail, Khan remains a divisive figure, and his supporters are increasingly worried about his safety. 

Mashal Yousafzai, a close aide to Bushra Bibi, suggested that Khan’s instructions are being manipulated or blocked by senior party leaders, raising questions about internal divisions within PTI. 

“Khan has been very frustrated in prison as he feels his instructions are not reaching the grassroots and instead they are being blocked or manipulated by senior leadership in the party,” said Yousafzai. 

In response to the violence, PTI has called for nationwide mourning, urging its supporters to visit the families of those killed and organize Quran recitations. The party has also set up a crisis cell to collect information on casualties and those still missing from the protests. 

PTI plans to hold a bigger, better-planned protest in the near future 

 

Meanwhile, the government’s refusal to acknowledge the deaths and its insistence on maintaining control of the narrative has fueled skepticism and eroded public trust. Analysts warn that the government’s hardline stance could push the nation closer to a political impasse, where the divide between democracy and authoritarianism becomes dangerously blurred. 

PTI  has announced plans to march to Islamabad once more, this time with full preparation. The party has been in protest since Imran Khan’s government was ousted in April 2022. 

Despite winning the most seats in February’s elections, PTI failed to form a government, claiming its mandate was stolen. Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 on charges including corruption and treason, continues to challenge the status quo, deepening political divisions in the country.