The November 26 Incident: Conflicting Accounts and Unanswered Questions

On November 26, thousands of workers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, assembled in Islamabad in a show of political strength. However, the demonstration ended dramatically when the government conducted a major operation to disperse the crowd. While the authorities maintained that the operation was conducted without gunfire, conflicting accounts from PTI leaders and independent sources have raised serious questions.

According to the administration of Polyclinic Hospital, no bodies of individuals allegedly killed during the operation were reported. Yet, BBC records indicate otherwise. At least three bodies with gunshot wounds were documented at Polyclinic on the night of November 26, with two reportedly dying after being admitted. Similarly, at PIMS Hospital, at least two bodies were said to have been brought in, retrieved later by families from Shangla and Mardan.

The conflicting narratives have drawn attention to the challenges of verifying events during politically charged incidents. BBC investigations revealed that Polyclinic received 28 injured individuals with gunshot wounds during the operation. Some patients required emergency surgeries, with medical staff describing the situation as unprecedented. Surgeons reportedly began operating without waiting for anesthesia due to the critical nature of injuries.

Witness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the chaos. A woman present with her family described the scene: “Suddenly, I heard gunfire. People were running, and I saw my husband kneeling on the ground, bleeding. It felt like a war zone.” Another protester recounted seeing a man shot in the head and collapsing before being hit himself by two bullets.

The situation at PIMS Hospital reflected the gravity of the event. Police and Rangers were deployed throughout the facility, while medical staff were reportedly barred from conducting autopsies. Many injured individuals avoided registering their names, fearing police action. This atmosphere of fear and restricted access to medical records has added to the controversy surrounding the events of November 26.

The broader implications of this incident highlight the tense political environment in Pakistan. Since 2019, PTI has been a prominent voice against the government, often clashing with state authorities. The November 26 operation has now become a focal point in the ongoing struggle, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and the rights of protesters.

For now, the truth remains elusive. While the government denies the use of lethal force, testimonies from victims, families, and medical staff suggest otherwise. The lack of transparency and the refusal to conduct autopsies have only deepened suspicions, underscoring the need for an independent investigation to ascertain what truly happened.

As Pakistan navigates these turbulent times, the November 26 incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding democratic processes and human rights. It also highlights the role of journalism and independent investigations in uncovering the facts amidst conflicting narratives.