PTI’s Barrister Gohar and Aleema Khan at odds over protest fatality count

English , Pakistan - پاکستان , Snippets , / Thursday, December 5th, 2024

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A heated exchange took place between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar, PTI’s senior lawyer Barrister Salman Akram Raja, and PTI founding chairman Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan regarding the death toll from the D-Chowk protest. The disagreement, that took place during a hearing at Adiala jail, centered on conflicting figures concerning the number of individuals who had died during the protest. Aleema Khan questioned Barrister Gohar about his statement that 12 people had died in the protest, asking why he had cited this specific number. In response, Barrister Gohar stood firm, stating that the figure of 12 deaths was the one confirmed by their available details, and questioned the accuracy of unverified claims. Aleema Khan raised concerns about the number of missing individuals, prompting Barrister Gohar to explain that teams had been formed to investigate the matter. Barrister Salman Akram Raja supported Gohar’s position, emphasising that the party was actively working to collect all relevant information. Barrister Raja reassured that the party would not let the matter slide and would ensure all facts were collected and verified. Gohar also expressed regret over the unverified figures being circulated, reiterating that he could only confirm the death of 12 individuals and had no evidence to suggest that hundreds had died. In a tense moment, Aleema Khan questioned Gohar about whether he had visited the families of the deceased or injured individuals. Gohar responded by pointing to Barrister Salman Akram Raja, suggesting that Raja had visited the family of a worker who fell from a container during the protest. Barrister Raja then addressed Aleema Khan, urging her not to label those appearing in court as “missing” and to refrain from spreading unverified information. Earlier this month, PTI reversed it previous claim of hundreds of party workers being killed during the November 26 clashes at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, stating that only 12 people lost their lives. Gohar refuted claims from party leaders like Ali Amin Gandapur and Sardar Latif Khosa about the deaths of hundreds of party workers. He also denied rumors about Imran Khan’s health, confirming he is fine in Adiala Jail.