Pakistan security forces accused of pushing man off containers
Pakistan’s security forces are accused of pushing a man off a stack of cargo containers during protests in Islamabad on Tuesday, where crowds were calling for the release of former President Imran Khan.
Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claimed the incident was one of several instances of police brutality during the demonstrations and announced the protests would be suspended. PTI stated that the man, who was praying on top of a container, was violently pushed off by armed officers, from a height of roughly three stories.
The man’s condition remains unknown.
BBC Verify confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday at the intersection of Jinnah and Attaturk avenues in Islamabad, where protesters had gathered. Video footage from the scene showed officers, identified by their riot shields as members of the Pakistani Rangers, a paramilitary force, approaching a man kneeling on top of the containers and pushing him over the edge. The man was seen trying to hang on before falling.
The footage was verified by comparing it to images of the same scene posted on Getty Images. BBC Verify has contacted the Pakistani Rangers for comment.
At least six people—four security personnel and two civilians—died during clashes that erupted on Sunday as the protests began. On Tuesday, thousands of Khan’s supporters marched in central Islamabad demanding his release. The protesters vowed not to leave until Khan, who is imprisoned on charges including fraud, was freed. However, they were pushed back by police using tear gas as they attempted to reach Democracy Square.
PTI announced on Wednesday that the protests had been “temporarily suspended” due to the “government’s brutality,” accusing the authorities of launching a violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators and firing live rounds with the intent to kill. PTI has claimed several of its workers were killed in the assault and is calling for an investigation. While the BBC has not independently verified these claims, two sources at a nearby hospital confirmed that four civilians with gunshot wounds were brought in after Tuesday’s protests.
Pakistan’s information minister stated that authorities had refrained from firing on the protesters.
Earlier in the day, many of Khan’s supporters had managed to reach the city center, but by sunset, they were dispersed by security forces. Local reports indicate that over 500 PTI supporters were arrested. Islamabad was placed under lockdown with a heavy security presence in anticipation of clashes with PTI convoys.
The convoys, led by PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, were initially allowed to approach the capital. Bushra Bibi, who was released from prison in October, has become a more prominent figure in the movement. Reports indicate that both Gandapur and Bushra Bibi have since left Islamabad, returning to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the province from which their convoy originated.
Protesters were reported to have responded to a “final” call from Khan, urging them to “fight till the end” until their demands are met.
Khan has been in prison for more than a year on charges he says are politically motivated.
Even from behind bars, the former cricket star has proved a powerful player in Pakistan politics. During elections in February his party, which had been banned from standing and was forced to run candidates as independents, emerged as the single largest bloc in winning votes.
However, they fell short of a majority and their rivals united to form a new government.
The PTI has called for election results to be overturned because they say the vote was rigged, a claim disputed by the government.
