National Action Plan: Pindi police want action in Murree

Claim hill station has become a sanctuary for criminals

ISLAMABAD:

Murree is apparently out of bounds under the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism. The popular getaway destination for tourists has been spared of operations or raids since the implementation of the revised anti-terror policy.

While the official explanation might be of saving the dwindling tourism industry, the real reason, according to the Rawalpindi police, runs deep.



A recent report submitted to the Punjab police chief and the home department claims the ruling PML-N leaders have barred the law enforcers from taking any action in Murree as it leads to protests.

While recommending immediate action in Murree, which houses around 300 hotels, the report stated only 10% of the total visitors to Murree were genuine tourists while the others were criminals, including terrorists, activists of banned outfits and proclaimed offenders.

These criminals and terrorists stay for months in hotels, guesthouses and rest houses while paying hefty rents. If the police launch any raids, the hotel owners and tourist associations stage protests. The protesters block various roads leading to Murree that in turn annoys some members of the ruling party in Punjab and the Centre.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif have personal residences in the area.

The report said most hotel owners are also members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and immediately approach the party leadership, especially Raja Ashfaq Sarwar and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, to complain against the police.



In the name of tourism, the report claimed, the area has become a sanctuary for terrorists and a hub of criminals.

Officials in Punjab and federal governments believe the Rawalpindi police have been restrained by the high-ups from carrying out any raids, search operations or even taking action against violation of loudspeaker laws in Murree.

The Punjab government and the federal interior ministry have rather asked the law enforcers to focus on ‘other areas’ of Rawalpindi, the officials said. A senior minister in Punjab cabinet brushed aside the allegations, saying the Punjab police were doing an excellent job under the NAP against terrorism.

A member of the Murree Hotel Association said the police raided the hotels unnecessarily and scared away tourists. “It is our right to stage peaceful protests against police injustices,” he added. Punjab minister Raja Ashfaq refused to comment when contacted.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2016.