Omar Ayub warns of civil disobedience over November 24 violence, calls for dialogue
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, has warned the government that the party may resort to civil disobedience if justice is not served regarding the alleged use of force during the November 24 protests in Islamabad. Speaking at a joint press conference with senior PTI leaders Asad Qaiser, Shibli Faraz, and Waqas Sheikh, Ayub condemned the government’s handling of peaceful protesters and outlined the party’s demands for accountability.
Allegations of Violence and Human Rights Violations
Ayub accused the government of using excessive force against unarmed citizens, resulting in the deaths of 12 PTI workers, injuries to thousands, and the disappearance of over 200 individuals. He alleged that over 5,000 PTI workers were arrested, with injured protesters coerced into falsifying medical reports.
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“Innocent and unarmed people were martyred. Hospital morgues were emptied, and injury reports were fabricated to label victims as accident cases,” Ayub stated. He also claimed that US-made weapons, including sniper rifles, were used against protesters, accusing the government of misusing Coalition Support Funds to target PTI supporters.
Demands for Justice and Investigation
Ayub called for a transparent inquiry into the use of firearms during the protests and the immediate release of detained PTI workers. He warned that if these demands are not met, the party will escalate its response with civil disobedience.
“We demand justice for November 24. If the profiling of youth continues and no inquiry is held, we will have no choice but to move towards civil disobedience,” Ayub said.
Prayer Ceremonies for Victims
To honor those who lost their lives, PTI announced a prayer ceremony on December 13 in Peshawar. The event will be followed by a global prayer initiative led by PTI’s international chapters on December 15.
Formation of Negotiation Committee
Ayub revealed the formation of a high-powered committee comprising Asad Qaiser, Ali Amin Gandapur, Hamid Raza, and himself to initiate dialogue with the government. “Our committee is ready for talks. Anyone willing to negotiate is welcome,” he said, emphasizing PTI’s commitment to peaceful resolution.
Calls for Dialogue and Rule of Law
Senator Shibli Faraz urged the government to engage with the committee, warning of the consequences of prolonged unrest. “Pakistan, with its population of 250 million, deserves the rule of law. The prevailing uncertainty and artificial instability must end through dialogue,” Faraz stated.
He highlighted the need to address regional issues, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, to prevent youth from turning to extremism.
Refuting Allegations Against PTI
Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser refuted claims that PTI workers resorted to violence during the protests. “None of our workers fired a single bullet. The government itself is sowing seeds of hatred by targeting peaceful protesters,” Qaiser asserted.
He also criticized the government’s policies, including the closure of cross-border trade with Afghanistan, and reiterated PTI’s commitment to resolving issues within the framework of the law.
Warning of Nationwide Escalation
The PTI leaders collectively called on the government to address their grievances, warning that continued inaction could escalate tensions nationwide. “We are being portrayed as terrorists, but we are fighting for constitutional rights and justice,” Qaiser concluded.
As the political landscape remains volatile, PTI’s calls for justice, dialogue, and accountability are central to easing the escalating tensions in Pakistan.
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