By Sara Nazir

PTI, under the leadership of Imran Khan, has converted public demonstrations into a powerful political weapon—one that is often wielded in ways that undermine democratic norms. Clothed in the garb of democratic rights, PTI's protests have repeatedly unleashed chaos and disruption, with the November 2024 onslaught in Islamabad being a stark example of this destructive trend. Beneath the party's rhetoric lies a troubling strategy of disinformation, economic sabotage, and security threats.

The protest in November 2024 ostensibly aimed to secure the release of Imran Khan, who faces serious corruption charges. However, the demands of the protest lacked legitimacy, shifting from judicial defiance to calls for state concessions. While PTI leaders agreed to a designated protest area, they breached this agreement and instead pushed their march toward Islamabad's sensitive Red Zone. This deliberate provocation endangered public safety and displayed a disregard for legal norms.

The economic aftermath of PTI's actions was colossal. Over three days, the protests caused losses amounting to Rs. 570 billion (approximately $2 billion), bringing trade activities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to a halt. Businesses closed, supply chains were disrupted, and inflation surged, adding to citizens' struggles. PTI’s timing was particularly harmful, as it came just when Pakistan's economy was beginning to recover. Inflation had reached its lowest in six years, and foreign direct investment was on the rise. These protests successfully sabotaged national progress, painting the government as ineffective and the state as unstable.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government's role in facilitating these protests further compounded the issue. Resources meant for public welfare were diverted to support political theatrics, financing logistics, transportation, and payments to activists. While KPK's leadership focused on the Islamabad march, the province faced significant crises, such as bloodshed in the Kurram District and the resurgence of TTP terrorism. This blatant prioritization of party politics over governance highlighted PTI's shortcomings as a governing entity.
Misinformation played a central role in PTI's campaign, with social media flooded by inconsistent casualty figures and doctored imagery. Leaders and supporters shared widely varying death tolls, ranging from 33 to over 1,000, without verifiable evidence. Doctored images and AI-generated content were spread and later deleted without apology. This manipulation targeted not just domestic audiences but also international organizations and media, presenting the protests as a struggle for democracy while concealing their violent and disruptive nature.
The disinformation extended to portraying law enforcement actions as brutal and excessive. However, independent investigations debunked these claims, showing that security forces exercised restraint and adhered to non-lethal methods despite severe provocations. Protesters included armed militants carrying automatic weapons and explosives, attacking law enforcement personnel, leaving six dead and over 200 injured. PTI’s attempt to depict itself as a victim of state repression stood in stark contrast to the violence initiated by its supporters.
The timing of the protests coincided with high-profile diplomatic visits, such as those of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Chinese delegations—a move that was no coincidence. PTI’s actions disrupted critical diplomatic engagements, tarnishing Pakistan’s image as a stable and reliable partner. The party's history of sabotaging such events, including the 2014 disruption of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit, underscores its willingness to prioritize political gains over national interests.
PTI’s actions have caused long-term damage to Pakistan’s democracy, economy, and international standing. By using protests as a political weapon, the party has undermined governance and disrupted public life. Its reliance on misinformation, from fabricated casualty figures to manipulated media content, has eroded public trust and exposed Pakistan to external criticism. Furthermore, its disregard for judicial orders and preference for chaos over dialogue highlight a concerning trajectory.
The November 2024 protests were not an exercise in democratic dissent but a calculated assault on Pakistan’s stability. The government’s response, grounded in legal and moral principles, was measured and necessary. By adhering to constitutional norms and refraining from excessive force, the state demonstrated its commitment to protecting citizens and upholding the rule of law.
Moving forward, PTI must be held accountable for its actions. Strengthening democratic institutions and countering disinformation campaigns should remain a priority. The international community must also recognize PTI’s tactics for what they are: deliberate efforts to destabilize Pakistan for political gain. Pakistan’s resilience will depend on unity, transparency, and a collective commitment to rebuilding trust in its institutions. Only then can the nation overcome these challenges and emerge stronger.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of The South Asia Times