The Islamabad Massacre, which took place on November 26, marked a tragic and violent episode in Pakistan’s history.

In the dead of night, the Pakistani military opened fire on peaceful protesters from the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) party. These demonstrators were rallying for democracy and justice. The crackdown led to the killing of what is believed to be hundreds, while thousands more were injured or arrested.

The military reportedly cut off power and internet access before deploying live ammunition on the crowd, including sniper fire, creating chaos and destruction. Despite overwhelming evidence of fatalities, including hospital reports of gunshot wounds, the military and government officials denied any bloodshed, engaging in a systematic cover-up. Bodies were allegedly hidden or disposed of, and crime scenes were wiped clean to suppress evidence.

This massacre has drawn comparisons to other infamous military crackdowns, such as Tiananmen Square and the Rabaa massacre, given the scale of brutality and suppression. The use of American-made weapons in the violence further raises questions about the role of international support in enabling the military’s actions.

The suppression of dissent has gone beyond physical violence; free speech has been stifled through draconian amendments that criminalize social media activity and VPN use. Protesters and activists face arrest, intimidation, and forced disappearances. As a result, public sentiment towards Pakistan's military has shifted dramatically, especially in the aftermath of the massacre.

The Islamabad Massacre highlights the fragility of democracy in Pakistan, exposing deep-seated authoritarianism and raising alarms about the broader implications for regional stability and global security.