Over 80 protesters identified for destroying public property in twin cities

Police on the lookout for the suspects


Our Correspondent November 05, 2018
TLP supporters on a blocked street during protests. PHOTO:AFP

RAWALPINDI: Police in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have identified as many as 80 people who were allegedly involved in violating a movement ban apart from destroying public property while protesting the apex court’s verdict.

Last week, dozens of protesters had blocked various intersections in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and destroyed public property including torching vehicles, as they protested the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s verdict in the case of Aasia Bibi.

They had also violated a ban on large gatherings imposed by the government under Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The police say that as many as 18 cases of damaging public property and of violating the law had been registered in Ratta Amral police station, Bani police station, Newtown police station, Sadiqabad police station, Gujjar Khan police station, Taxila police station, Chauntra police station, Rawat police station, Mandara police station, Mari and Kahuta against workers of religious parties.

After identifying them, 80 protestors have been nominated as culprits in the cases.

The police are seeking help from the national database regulatory authority (NADRA) to identify the protestors nominated in the cases.

Of the cases registered in Chauntra, so far 28 suspects involved in torching and destroying public property have been nominated.

All of these cases were registered during the protest and police officials explained that no case has been registered in Rawalpindi after an agreement between the government and religious parties late on Friday which led to the culmination of protests.

A police spokesperson said that due to the risk of breach of peace, police had received orders to arrest over 250 workers of a religious party under sections 16 and 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

In this regard, 80 workers and leaders of religious groups have been sent to Central Jail Adiala on judicial remand while those at police stations were released following orders from the Punjab Home Department in line with the terms of the negotiation with the religious parties.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2018.

 

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ