PTI Chairman Urges Reconciliation, Demands Accountability for Protest Deaths

Adopting a conciliatory tone, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan on Wednesday called on the government to acknowledge past mistakes, apologise, and announce compensation for party supporters allegedly killed during the November 26 protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk. Speaking in the National Assembly, Khan emphasised the need for accountability and justice, claiming that 12 PTI protesters were killed “at the doorstep of parliament.”

"Even if bullets were fired, there should at least be the courage to answer, show remorse, apologise, investigate, and compensate the people,” Khan said, reiterating the public's demand for justice. He also highlighted that PTI founder Imran Khan had established a committee for dialogue, while clarifying that this initiative should not be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness.

"We only want to ensure that a third force does not occupy this house. Do not see this as a weakness but as a remedy for past mistakes,” he stated, urging the government to “settle the dust of the May 9 incident and move forward.”

Calls for Justice and Dialogue

The chairman’s remarks followed a demand by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan for a judicial probe into the November 26 incident, which he described as a “massacre” of PTI workers. Omar Ayub accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of directly issuing orders to fire on protesters.

Khan refuted government claims that PTI protesters carried arms, stressing that the party sought justice through parliamentary means and did not rely on ethnic or divisive tactics. “If shots were fired, responsibility must be assigned. Justice must be served, and we want it through this House,” he said.

He further criticised the government for branding PTI workers as “miscreants” while maintaining that the party upheld mutual respect despite enduring oppression. Citing global examples, Khan remarked that in countries like India, the US, and South Korea, protests at parliamentary sites did not result in the firing of bullets, which he asserted is a democratic right.

Government’s Response

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar welcomed the opposition’s decision to use parliament for dialogue rather than confrontation, calling it “the essence of democracy.” Stressing the importance of meaningful debate within the parliamentary framework, Tarar highlighted the need for constructive engagement on national issues.

Earlier, dissatisfaction over ministerial absenteeism during the question hour was expressed by both treasury and opposition members. PPP lawmakers termed the absence an “insult to parliament,” prompting Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah to announce a formal letter to the prime minister, urging ministers to prioritise parliamentary duties.

Amendments to PECA

In response to a call attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat Sajid Mehdi revealed that the government is drafting amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The proposed changes aim to combat “fake news” on social media and strengthen defamation laws, drawing inspiration from the UK model.

Mehdi explained that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) currently lacks an effective mechanism to monitor misinformation, acting only upon complaints. The amendments are intended to expedite the resolution of defamation cases and bolster regulatory oversight.

This session marked a critical moment of engagement between opposing political forces, highlighting the challenges and potential for reconciliation within Pakistan’s parliamentary landscape.