Pakistan: Police Crack Down on Opposition Protesters
The Facts
Lahore police have lodged a case against 38 leaders and workers of the main opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for multiple serious offenses, including terrorism and vandalism, as well as assaulting and attempting to kidnap a police constable.
This comes as violence erupted in the eastern Pakistan city on Sunday as members and supporters of the party rallied nationwide to protest against alleged election fraud, with videos showing police officers attacking the demonstrators and pushing them inside police vehicles.
The Spin
Narrative A
These elections were flawed from the beginning and, with authorities carrying out blatant lawfare against Khan and his PTI, this outcome was widely anticipated. What's surprising, however, is that the US has failed to take stronger action to ensure that its treaty ally has a free and fair vote, despite Biden arguing that promoting democracy overseas is the defining challenge of our time.
Narrative B
There's no valid evidence that rigging or controversy marred this polling process. However, the West has sought to outrageously meddle in Pakistan's internal affairs, voicing unfounded concerns over the vote while baselessly demanding probes into alleged irregularities. Pakistan's sovereignty, its rule of law, and the results of its election must be internationally respected.
