Tribunal to probe crackdown on march

CM’s adviser accuses PML-N regime of brutality during PTI protest

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister's Adviser on Information Omar Sarfaraz Cheema has said that a tribunal has been formed to probe into the "cruelty and brutality" carried out by the PML-N government during the PTI's May 25 Azadi March.

He said in a statement that the tribunal had been formed on the instruction of Chief Minister Chauhdry Pervaiz Elahi.

The perpetrators of fascism would soon be brought to justice, the adviser added. He alleged that the PML-N regime had violated the sanctity and privacy of homes.

The provincial adviser maintained that the Punjab government was not targeting anyone for revenge and all matters were being handled within the scope of law and justice.

He said that all the characters behind the alleged 'regime change operation' were being exposed after the recent PM House audio leaks.

The nation already knew the aims and objectives of the operation, the audio leaks have confirmed them, he claimed.

The adviser to the chief minister said the people were already suffering the results of incompetence of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

He maintained that former prime minister Imran Khan wass a true patriot, and under his leadership the people of Pakistan would destroy 'the idols of the mafia'.

After a day of clashes, PTI supporters finally succeed in converging on capital May 25.

The PML-N-led coalition government failed to contain the PTI supporters — who while staging their "Haqeeqi Azadi March" — managed to cross all barriers and reached near D-Chowk after allegedly setting some trees and public property on fire in Blue Area of the federal capital.

The ministers and leaders, who mocked the opponents for not having enough support and kept claiming victory throughout the day through their statements and news conferences, were left red-faced when the protesters crossed all the hurdles and compelled the law-enforcement agencies to retreat. By night, PTI Chairman Khan entered the federal capital, leading the marchers from Peshawar.

He then proceeded to the D-Chowk. Imran had earlier said that he would convert his march into a sit-in in the federal capital. Earlier, clashes continued throughout the day between the protesters and law-enforcement agencies at different locations in the twin cities the Faizabad Interchange where the road was blocked with containers.

The army was called out in Islamabad in the wee hours of Thursday to protect government buildings in the Red Zone in the wake of violence before and after the arrival of PTI long march in the federal capital.

The interior ministry said in a notification that troops were deployed under Article 245 of the Constitution with immediate effect. The notification said that the number of troops would be determined in consultation with the Islamabad administration.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had urged the people to reject the politics of sit-ins and immorality because that had inflicted huge loss to the national economy in the past and could jeopardise the country's future.

Earlier, violence erupted as the former prime minister led the march from Peshawar, while more caravans came from other cities, despite government’s attempts to stop them. Pursuant to the law and order situation in the Islamabad Capital Territory, the Federal Government, in exercise of powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2022.