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US congressman, Rohit Khanna, lambasts Pakistan’s security response to protests


US Congressman, Ro Khanna, lambasted the security institution following allegations of civilian killings during protests in Islamabad.

WASHINGTON: United States (US) Congressman, Rohit Khanna (Ro Khanna), lambasted the actions of the security institution following allegations of civilian killings and the confiscation of death records from medical personnel during recent protests in Pakistan capital.

According to The Hill, Ro Khanna took to the social media platform, X (former Twitter), to express his outrage.

Read more: Maryam Wattoo claims Bushra Bibi was forcibly removed from PTI protest

The US Representative from California (17th district) stated that he was “horrified by reports of an” alleged “attempted cover-up of the alleged killings of peaceful [protests]” in Pakistan.

He called for the US to implement visa bans and asset freezes targeting senior security officials allegedly involved in the crackdown.

The Hill further stated that tear gas was deployed on the protestors, with allegations of firing, as well. The Guardian claims the protests emerged due to widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling government.

The former First Lady, Bushra Bibi, took to the streets demanding the release of her husband, Imran Khan, currently incarcerated on over 100 charges.

The Hill noted that shipping containers were set on fire by the protestors as they neared D-Chowk, the agreed-upon protest site by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – Khan’s party.

The response from security personnel was reportedly ‘aggressive’, with orders to ‘shoot to kill’ issued and a power blackout.

Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Attaullah Tarar, was quick to deny allegations of gunfire directed at PTI supporters and workers.

This was backed by the Interior Minister and PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who stated that law enforcers “bravely repulsed the protestors”.

Conflicting report suggests that at least 17 people may have died during the nationwide protests.  

Islamabad reopened on Wednesday, following a four-day sealing of the capital.   

Read more: PTI leadership, hundreds of workers booked in nine FIRs

Another US Representative, Rashida Tlaib, the first Palestinian woman to secure a seat in US Congress, also supported the protestors. She accused authorities of attempting to “suppress democracy and human rights”.

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