Rawalpindi police arrest 50 more for vandalism

Attock police book 100 others for blocking roads, burning tyres

ISLAMABAD:

The Rawalpindi police arrested more than 50 people for vandalising public property and disrupting the law and order situation in the city. According to a spokesperson, an operation was held Thursday night to nab the accused involved in creating public disorder for three days earlier in the week.

City Police Officer (CPO) Ahsan Younas said on Friday that no one will be allowed to spread unrest and anarchy by challenging the writ of the state. The perpetrators who attacked citizens and law enforcement personnel will be brought to book, he assured, adding that all measures will be taken to ensure the safety of citizens.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and District Headquarters Hospital in Rawalpindi to inquire about the health of policemen and personnel of Pakistan Rangers injured in clashes with workers of an outlawed party.

He noted that the security personnel bravely tackled the situation as they handled the mob in a professional manner. The minister said no one would be allowed to blackmail the state, adding that strict action would be taken against those involved in violent and destructive activities.

Moreover, the Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jamilur Rehman lauded the performance of policemen for boldly standing up to the violent mobs. He said that officers who acted in a gallant manner and maintained the law and order situation despite getting injured are our heroes. The IGP visited various hospitals of Rawalpindi along with the Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer (RPO) Imran Ahmer and appreciated the bravery of the policemen.

He presented the flower bouquets to the injured being treated at the hospitals and prayed for their quick recovery. He said that elaborate security arrangement was ensured at the site of the protests and logistic support was provided to security personnel. He also appreciated the senior police officials who stood shoulder by shoulder with their officers and succeeded to disperse the protestors. Rehman stated that Islamabad and Rawalpindi police are ensuring a joint crackdown against criminal elements. He saluted the officers who ensured protection of the lives and property of citizens despite getting injured and assured that efforts would continue for the safety of the residents.

The IGP further directed the force to ensure foolproof security arrangements during Ramazan.

He asked police officers to have Sehar and Iftar meals with their subordinates and keep their morale high. He also asked to ensure the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus and brief the citizens about the precautionary measures. Furthermore, all the main and link roads blocked by the activists of the banned outfit were reopened in Attock on Thursday as 83 workers were nominated in FIRs and 300 activists had been booked under relevant Acts.

During the protest, the workers had blocked different roads in the Attock district and tried to create a law and order situation while also damaging public property. Attock police under the command of District Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani took prompt action and cleared all the roads effectively.

Regional Police Officer Tahir Iqbal said that the activists had been booked by Attock police under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order and Sound System Regulation Act. He added that Attock City police have booked 13 nominated in FIRs and 100 other activists who blocked Kamra Road and burnt tyres at the site.

Iqbal maintained that Fateh Jang police also booked 37 identified and 50 unidentified party workers who blocked the main Fatehjang Road and used provocative slogans.

He further mentioned that Hazro police booked 33 nominated and over 150 other activists for blocking Hattian Road.