Atta Tarar dares PTI to show video evidence of straight firing by LEAs on protestors
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, challenged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to present video evidence that could confirm the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) had fired directly at their protestors, who had gathered in Islamabad a few days ago.Imran khan, others to be indicted on Nov 8 in GHQ attack case
I have already shared video evidence showing how one individual from the protest instructed others to open fire indiscriminately on the police. Now, I challenge PTI to release any video showing direct fire or live ammunition by the LEAs against the protestors,” said the minister during a press conference.
The press briefing was attended by Federal Secretary for Interior Khurram Ali Agha, IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Ali Randhawa. Various videos were shown during the conference, revealing how PTI protestors used firearms, shells, and marbles against the LEAs.
Tarar firmly rejected the PTI’s claims circulating on social media about direct firing on protestors, asserting that it was PTI that had brought in professional criminals and Afghan nationals to the protest, with the intention of causing bloodshed throughout the city.
He also mentioned that Murad Saeed, who had been hiding in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House, was involved in the protest, leading an armed group carrying guns, shells, and glass marbles, which were later seized during their arrest from the frontline.
“No LEA personnel is authorized to use live ammunition,” he said, adding that fake videos and photos were being fabricated to cover up the humiliation and political failure stemming from the so-called final call.
He noted that the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Poly Clinic had already issued statements confirming that no deaths occurred due to firing by law enforcement agencies.
“Similarly, we are exposing their false propaganda and communicating the truth to the public through various platforms,” he added.
The minister highlighted that armed protestors were being identified through video evidence, as many people were directly involved in causing chaos and disorder in the country.
He emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for challenging the authority of the state and causing harm to LEA personnel.
“We had received intelligence reports about attempts to create chaos, anarchy, and killings under the guise of the so-called final call to settle political scores with dead bodies,” he said.
The minister explained that the government had repeatedly suggested holding the protest in Sangjani but PTI insisted on staging it at D-Chowk, near the red zone where the Belarusian President was staying.
Tarar further stated that PTI had a history of organizing violent protests and called for demonstrations whenever foreign delegations visited the country, referencing their recent protests during the SCO summit, which involved 12 countries’ prime ministers.
He also noted the seven-month delay in the Chinese Prime Minister’s visit and the attack on PTV during past protests, as well as the 2014 attack on SSP Asmatullah Janejo, all of which reflected PTI’s tendency to use violence to pressure the state.
“States never bow to anyone,” he declared, asserting that the Pakistani government would uphold the rule of law and order, ensuring public safety at all costs.
Tarar also pointed out that in cities like Paris, London, and Washington DC, authorities designate protest areas, questioning whether any civilized nation would allow protestors to carry AK-47 rifles, shells, and glass marbles.
“The purpose of their protest is to generate casualties, disrupt peace, and damage the economy,” he remarked, adding that they had no genuine public agenda, and expressing his admiration for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who rejected their so-called call.
