Govt calls in army to control law and order in Punjab, K-P

PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD:

As protests against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan’s arrest entered the second day, the federal government requisitioned army troops to maintain law and order in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

At least five protestors have been reported dead as the protests turned violent, with several others injured. At least three policemen were also seriously injured in clashes with PTI supporters in Peshawar.

Officials at Edhi Foundation reported two deaths in Lahore while another three were reported in Peshawar.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the army troops’ deployment has been requested under Article 245 of the Constitution and Section 4(3)(ii) of Anti Terrorism Act 1997.

“The exact number of troops or assets, date and area of deployment will be worked out by the provincial government in consultation with” the military officials, the orders stated.

“The date of de-requisitioning of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among the stakeholders,” it added.

Ex-PM Imran was arrested by the Rangers paramilitary force at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday.

Despite protests erupting across the country condemning the arrest, the government has backed the development maintaining it was in accordance with law.

Meanwhile, the IHC on Tuesday declared that Imran Khan’s arrest from the court’s premises was carried out legally. Written orders have been issued by the IHC in this regard.

In 2019, then prime minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone of the Al-Qadir University for Sufism in Sohawa, Jhelum district.

He was, however, later accused of looting Rs50 billion of the national treasury, along with a property tycoon, and getting the Trust registered on 450-kanal.

Notably, the PTI chief’s arrest also came a day after the military warned him against making “baseless allegations” after he again accused a senior officer of plotting to kill him.

The rebuke late Monday underscored how far the PTI chief’s relations have deteriorated with the military, which backed his rise to power in 2018 but withdrew its support ahead of a parliamentary vote of no confidence that ousted him last year.

Read Power struggle: Another ex-PM joins ‘illustrious’ arrest list

Widespread protests erupted across the country since the arrest yesterday and roadblocks across cities have increased the difficulties being faced by citizens.

Attack on Radio Pakistan

According to Director General Radio Pakistan, Tahir Hassan, hundreds of ‘miscreants’ suddenly stormed the national broadcaster’s building in Peshawar.

The enraged crowd wreaked havoc in the newsroom and various sections of the building.

He added that ‘miscreants’ had attacked Radio Pakistan yesterday as well.

In today’s attack, the protestors vandalised the building, tortured the staff including women and engaged in arson, the DG said. They set fire to Chagai Yadgar and Radio Auditorium.

Hassan also said that records and other materials were destroyed by arson in various sections of the Radio Pakistan building.

“Vehicles parked in the building of Radio Pakistan were also set on fire,” he said.

The miscreants looted government goods including equipment like cameras, microphones and other office equipment and devices.

The security officials have baton-charged against the attackers and cleared the area.

Radio Pakistan has prepared a report on the burning of the Chagai Monument and the vandalism of Mufti Mehmood Flyover.

Riots in Punjab

Police have taken action against the angry mob for attacking government property, police force officials and law enforcement agencies.

Miscreants involved in violent acts, vandalism, and damage to public and private property were arrested throughout the province.

According to officials, over 130 police officers have been severely injured during the violent protests.

Meanwhile, at least 945 arrests have been made on charges of rioting.

The police said that over 25 vehicles have also been destroyed or burned down by the protestors.

Providing further details, a Punjab Police spokesperson said that over 14 government buildings have been attacked, looted and seriously damaged by the protestors.

IG Punjab Usman Anwar has said that “strict legal action is being taken against those challenging the writ of the state”.

“Those who injure citizens, police officers and personnel, damage property will be brought to justice,” he warned.

K-P protests

Strict security measures were seen in place in Peshawar and other districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as the police officials continued a crackdown against the miscreants attacking state buildings and blocking motorway.

At least 33 PTI workers have been arrested so far, according to the police.

Meanwhile, three individuals have been reported dead while another 34 have been reported injured.

All dead bodies and 27 injured persons have been taken to Lady Reading Hospital. Another seven injured persons were transferred to Khyber Teaching Hospital.

The injured are said to be stable and are being given first aid for bullet wounds and related injuries at Lady Reading Hospital while those at Khyber Teaching Hospital have already been discharged.

Some protestors were seen engaging in aerial fire during the demonstrations as well.

Khyber Road was partially blocked at Soray Pull (bridge) and Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium with the help of large containers.

All roads leading to the Corps Commander House, Assembly and sensitive areas are closed to traffic.

Colleges across the province have been closed until May 14 while all government and private schools have been closed until May 13.

In K-P, matric exams for 9th and 10th grade have also been postponed.

Protestors also closed down markets in Peshawar and other parts of K-P.

Meanwhile, the local administration has warned of strict action against vandalism and arson and anyone who damages public and private property.

Amid uncertainty in the provincial capital, multiple petrol and CNG stations were also seen closed today.

The temporarily suspended BRT service has been restored, while the number of commuters remained relatively low today.

Traffic blocked in Islamabad

Diversions and roadblocks were also seen in place in the federal capital.

According to Islamabad police, Srinagar Highway has been completely blocked for traffic with diversions placed for both sides of traffic from Islamabad Chowk to G-9 Signal of Srinagar Highway.

Scattered clashes between PTI supporters and Islamabad police have also been reported.

Crackdown in Karachi

Meanwhile, the PTI’s protest venue in Sindh’s capital, Karachi, has been changed from Sharae Faisal to Millenium Mall. Insaf House on Sharae Faisal has been sealed by authorities.

Raids were conducted to arrest PTI’s Khurram Sher Zaman in Karachi and other leaders, however they were not found at their residences.

On the other hand, PTI Sindh President Ali Zaidi’s location remains unknown. Notably, Zaidi, besides many party workers, was arrested yesterday evening.

Zaidi’s car was intercepted by police near the CSD signal before Kala Pull. He was put in a white double-cabin SUV and taken to an unknown location.

The party appears to be facing difficulties in mobilising crowds in Karachi due to communication services disruption.

Additional reporting by Sameer Mandhro.