The city started reeling from protest over the past 48 hours that brought daily life to a screeching halt.
Protesters allegedly vandalized, looted and burned Moosa Khel police station, the Bank of Punjab and the Judicial Complex in Mianwali.
Separate FIRs were registered against protesters over rioting and vandalism on Friday. After the arrest of the former Prime Minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Tuesday, PTI workers and supporters led violent protests across the country.
Cases were registered against multiple nominated and unidentified suspects. Police sources have affirmed that legal action will be taken against the accused and raids have already been launched for their arrest.
An FIR was registered regarding the attack on Kamar Mashani police station, with the accused charged with stoning the building, vandalism and theft. Many PTI workers and hundreds of unidentified persons were booked and police are launching raids and using CCTV footage for their arrest.
As many as 101 people were nominated in the FIR regarding the attack on Kamar Mashani police station, while over 800 unidentified people were charged regarding the incident that left DPO Matiullah Nawai injured.
In addition to arresting PTI workers, police also arrested activist Jabir Abbas and raided the home of Zaheeruddin, a close aide of Imran Khan.
During the raid, items in his house were allegedly broken by the police and policemen also reportedly tortured ladies and children on the property. All male members of the house were arrested.
At midnight on May 9, the administration of the Bank of Punjab closed its Balokhel branch after it was attacked by protestors.
After Imran Khan’s arrest, protesters attacked the bank and destroyed everything inside. An investigation into the incident was launched and the Bank of Punjab is currently estimating the losses. Bank manager Syed Irfan Ali Shah told the Express Tribune that the Balokhel branch will resume business after reconstruction and maintenance.
Similarly, the judicial process was affected after the Judicial Complex in Mianwali was attacked and vandalised by protesters.
The protestors reportedly burned judicial offices and the IT section in the complex, whilst also allegedly stealing records and valuables from the offices. Staff members are currently performing their official duties from an adjacent building and are working to estimate losses and launch an inquiry into the incident. Due to this, whole judicial working was in disarray.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 13th, 2023.
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