THE political landscape in Pakistan has long been plagued by controversy, disinformation and power struggles, but the recent allegations of a massacre in Islamabad on November 26, have taken this to new extremes. According to PTI sources, the tragic events on that day allegedly involved violent crackdown of peaceful PTI supporters by law enforcement, leading to widespread casualties and an alleged “massacre.” However, it is crucial to approach such claims with caution, as PTI’s track record of spreading propaganda, coupled with the broader context of its political manoeuvring, raises serious questions about the veracity of these allegations. PTI has long been known for its ability to craft narratives that resonate with its supporters, often blending elements of truth with exaggerated or distorted claims. This strategy has allowed the party and particularly its leadership, to maintain a strong base of support even in the face of political crises. However, PTI’s reliance on disinformation has led to significant challenges in differentiating between legitimate grievances and politically motivated propaganda.
The alleged Islamabad massacre of 26 November is the latest episode in a series of events where PTI has attempted to capitalize on tragedy for political gain. The party’s rhetoric consistently frames itself as victim of a brutal and oppressive state, with the narrative of victimhood being strategically used to galvanize its base. This narrative is not necessarily rooted in fact, but in the emotional appeal to the public’s sense of injustice. To assess the claims surrounding the alleged massacre in Islamabad, one must first examine the available evidence. Independent investigations and credible news sources paint a very different picture than the one presented by PTI. While it is true that there were clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement on 26th of November, the narrative of a “massacre” is far from substantiated by credible sources or impartial witnesses.
Eyewitness reports and footage from the scene show that while there was a significant police presence and some confrontations, the violence was not one-sided, as PTI supporters, known for violent protests and direct action tactics, were also clashing with law enforcement officers. Moreover, the police response, though heavy-handed, was not without provocation, as PTI’s inflammatory rhetoric and frequent calls for unrest often create volatile situations where confrontation becomes inevitable. The party’s leadership, particularly Imran Khan and Murad Saeed, has a history of encouraging civil disobedience, often disregarding consequences. Another key element in PTI’s strategy is its use of social media to push its narrative. PTI has long been adept at manipulating public opinion through digital platforms. The party’s social media accounts and network of loyalists have spread graphic images and videos, often without proper verification, claiming them as evidence of the massacre. These visuals are designed to elicit outrage and rally support from the base. In the age of social media, it is increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction and PTI’s ability to flood platforms with emotionally charged content has shaped public perception.
PTI’s response to events of November 26 cannot be viewed in isolation. The party is currently embroiled in a fierce political struggle, particularly with the ruling coalition led by PMLN and PPP. PTI, under Imran Khan’s leadership, has repeatedly accused the government of unfairly targeting its leaders and supporters, while using state institutions to undermine the party’s political agenda. In this context, the alleged massacre in Islamabad serves as a rallying cry for PTI’s supporters, reinforcing the narrative that the party is the victim of a political conspiracy. The use of violent rhetoric and accusations of state-led oppression helps maintain PTI’s image as a party that is fighting for the common man against a corrupt and oppressive elite. However, the political motivations behind such narratives should not be overlooked. PTI’s leadership benefits from keeping its supporters in a state of constant agitation, fuelling the belief that they are fighting a just battle. This tactic, while effective in consolidating political power, does little to address the underlying issues facing the country and often distracts from the real problems that need to be addressed.
Pakistan’s media, civil society and international organizations must play a key role in holding all parties accountable and ensuring that the public is informed of the reality behind these claims. Given the high stakes in Pakistan’s current political climate, where violence and unrest threaten to destabilize the country, it is vital that the truth, not propaganda, prevails. In the aftermath of alleged Islamabad massacre, it is critical to recognize that political propaganda has a significant role in shaping public perception. While PTI’s claims of state repression may resonate with their supporters, they must be carefully scrutinized in the light of evidence. The truth about events of November 26 can only be established through an independent investigation. Until then, the public must be wary of political narratives being pushed by PTI and its allies.
—The writer is Islamabad based regular contributor.
