Gohar dismisses claims of mass deaths, Imran’s ill health

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has dismissed claims of mass deaths during the recent protests, saying that only 12 PTI workers were “martyred”.

Talking to media persons outside Adiala Jail after meeting Imran Khan, Gohar also refuted reports about the deteriorating health of party founder Imran Khan, assuring that Khan is healthy and in good spirits. 

While emphasizing PTI’s commitment to being a democratic and responsible political party, he said: “We disassociate ourselves from claims of hundreds of deaths. Officially, there have been 12 fatalities. Speculative figures are baseless.”

The remarks followed conflicting claims by PTI leaders about protest casualties. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur alleged “hundreds” had died, while other party leaders cited figures ranging from 8 to 278. 

Gohar revealed that Khan was unaware of the events of November 26. After getting a briefing about what actually happened, Khan condemned all acts of violence, stating that “no bullet should have been fired from any side”, Gohar said.

He further said that Imran Khan has urged party members to maintain unity, highlighting the PTI’s stance as a peaceful political movement. 

The protest movement called by Imran Khan culminated in a violent confrontation in Islamabad, where clashes erupted between PTI protestors and police. Federal authorities and local police accused PTI supporters of attacking security personnel, leaving over 170 officers injured. Meanwhile, PTI leaders issued contradictory casualty figures, further muddling the narrative. 

Barrister Gohar criticized misinformation, reaffirming the party’s official stance on casualties. “We are not a party of reckless claims. Our figure of 12 deaths is verified,” he said. 

Gohar proposed forming a commission to investigate the violence, referencing past incidents, including the Model Town tragedy. He underscored PTI’s demand for accountability and justice for those affected. 

He dismissed rumors of internal division, lauding party leaders and workers for their resilience. “Propaganda won’t divide us. We stand united under Khan’s leadership,” he said. 

Gohar also rejected claims by PTI leader Qasim Khan Suri, who had alleged that Khan’s health was deteriorating due to harmful exposure in prison. In a post on his X account, Suri had accused authorities of subjecting Khan to chemical sprays, potentially affecting his mental state—an allegation Gohar labeled as speculative and baseless. 

Read Also: FUUAST Professor dismissed, fined for workplace harassment

He informed media persons that Imran Khan was deeply saddened by the deaths of party workers and security personnel. Khan has instructed filing a requisition for calling National Assembly session over the matter and raising voice against the deaths in the Senate, Gohar added.

He also said that Imran Khan was deeply saddened over the firing incident, and directed to honor the deceased with Quran recitations and prayers. 

In response to a question raised by a journalist about Imran Khan’s message, Gohar said, “Khan is steadfast in his vision. Violence is never the answer, and our focus remains on democratic dialogue and justice.”