International reactions pour in after crackdown on PTI protest

The chaos and violence in Islamabad drew the attention of prominent international figures, including analysts and politicians monitoring Pakistan’s political affairs. Many expressed concerns over the use of force against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters.

PTI began its march to Islamabad on November 24, following the “final call” from former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who demanded the restoration of what he called the "stolen mandate" and the release of political prisoners.

Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, recently released from prison made efforts to mobilise supporters. She urged them to take to the streets and march towards D-Chowk to hold a sit-in for Khan's release.

Bushra Bibi, along with the PTI leadership, declared they would not end the sit-in until the former premier was freed. Thousands of supporters joined their local PTI leaders in marching toward the capital.

In response, the government sealed key routes in Islamabad, suspended internet services, closed schools, and deployed the army with "shoot-on-sight" orders. PTI workers in Sindh and Punjab also faced crackdowns as they attempted to advance toward the capital.

Despite roadblocks, heavy shelling, and the use of rubber bullets, PTI protesters managed to reach D-Chowk after clashes with security forces at various places.

The protest, however, was not aired on electronic media due to censorship. Still, the large number of protesters advancing toward the capital caught the attention of international media, which covered the developments extensively.

By Tuesday, as thousands of protesters gathered at D-Chowk and the party leadership delayed reaching the protest site, tensions between security forces and PTI workers escalated.

A crackdown ensued to disperse the protesters. Police and paramilitary forces used intense shelling and firing, creating panic among the demonstrators, who fled for safety. PTI leadership also reportedly withdrew during the chaos.

PTI claimed that "straight firing" injured hundreds of protesters and caused eight deaths. However, neither the party nor the government has provided an official count of the dead or wounded. The government denied reports of any bodies being admitted to hospitals after the violence.

Videos and pictures of the violent crackdown quickly went viral, catching the attention of foreign political commentators and politicians, many of whom condemned the use of force against unarmed protesters in the nation’s capital. Here's how they reacted.

American analayst on South Asian affairts, Michael Kugelman said:

US Congresswoman Summer L Lee condemned the violence against the protesters.

Indian-born Swedish Intellectual and academic Ashok Swain termed the violence as "Pakistan's Tianamen Massacre."

US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib also reacted to the recent political events in Pakistan. 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee expressed solidarity with "pro-democracy advocates" during the PTI protest in Paksitan . 

American lawyer and Congressman Eric Swalwell called on Pakistan's government "to protect democracy."