Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated his commitment to bringing to justice those responsible for the violence during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests that took place in Islamabad from November 24 to 27, 2024.
Speaking during a meeting of the Joint Task Force (JTF) set up to investigate the unrest, Sharif emphasized that all individuals involved in the chaos would be held accountable following the law.
“We will ensure that those who violated the law during the protests, damaged public property, and caused harm to law enforcement officials will face appropriate punishment,” Sharif said, highlighting the government's determination to uphold justice.
The JTF, chaired by the Prime Minister, was briefed on the progress of the investigation, which includes forensic analysis of evidence recovered from the protest site.
Among the items collected were weapons, cartridge shells, and other materials that are currently being sent for forensic examination. The task force is also working quickly to identify and apprehend those who engaged in the violence, with plans to bring them before the courts as soon as possible.
In his remarks, Sharif stressed that the legal proceedings would be monitored on a weekly basis to ensure swift action. He also condemned the attack on the federal capital during the official visit of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, describing it as a "great embarrassment" to the country.
Formation of anti-riot force
As part of broader security measures, the Prime Minister announced plans to establish a world-class anti-riot force equipped to handle such disturbances in the future. The force, Sharif said, will be trained and structured in line with global best practices and will be an integral part of the government’s strategy to prevent similar incidents from escalating.
Additionally, the Islamabad Safe City project will be further enhanced, with the integration of a new forensic lab to meet international standards.
The new facilities Sharif stressed would serve as a key component in strengthening Pakistan’s security infrastructure and response capabilities.
The government is also taking steps to address the ongoing disinformation campaigns related to the political unrest. A separate high-level task force, formed to tackle misinformation, is tasked with investigating those spreading fake and misleading information about the events in Islamabad.
The task force’s mandate includes tracking perpetrators both within Pakistan and abroad, ensuring they face legal consequences. Furthermore, it is charged with developing policy recommendations to combat malicious propaganda and enhance the country’s resilience against destabilizing narratives.
