Asif slams Gohar over fabricated claims, demands proof of 12 deaths

ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has sharply criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) while demanding proof from PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar over his claims of 12 deaths during the recent protests.

Responding to Barrister Gohar’s statement retracting earlier claims of “hundreds of deaths” during recent protests, he said PTI misrepresented images of Gaza martyrs as victims of Islamabad protests on social media. “Barrister Gohar’s disavowal of such claims is insufficient.”

Asif said that distancing from the allegations is not enough. “After their baseless claims, a flood of lies and slander followed.”

Highlighting the party’s alleged fabrications, Asif accused senior PTI leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur, of making exaggerated claims of mass casualties. “One leader confidently cited the figure of 278, as if they personally counted the bodies,” he added.

Challenging the credibility of PTI’s claims, Asif demanded evidence even for the 12 deaths officially acknowledged by the party. “We call on PTI to provide proof—whether through funeral images or information about the victims’ families,” he said.

Addressing Barrister Gohar directly, Asif said, “This deception and fraud speak volumes about PTI’s political culture.”

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Earlier, Barrister Gohar 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. 

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.