A sense of uncertainty persisted among the citizens of the provincial capital regarding the law and order situation in a politically charged environment on Monday.
Disruption of internet services in parts of the city and difficulty in using social media applications aggravated the feeling, resulting in rumour mongering. Clashes in different parts of the provincial capital continued for three days after May 9, till the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, and disturbed life in the city. The protests led to the closure of many roads, schools and suspension of mobile internet access.
Though the protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had ended, the politically charged environment had not toned down.
The ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) had announced its own protest, while a crackdown to hunt the suspects in in rioting continued. Khan was also set to appear in courts while expressing fears of being arrested again and urging his supporters to stage protests in such a case.
The authorities had announced the restoration of internet access and social media services, but the citizens faced problems in using online services.
As per some reports, the uncertainty and curbs on online communication resulted in fast spread of rumours, especially among parents of schoolchildren who feared that the city might be gripped by lawlessness anytime.
The Lahore police had to issue a clarification in this regard. “Refuting all baseless rumours circulating in WhatsApp groups of parents in the provincial capital, it is clarified that there is absolutely no truth to the claims regarding the law and order situation,” said a police spokesperson.
In a statement, he emphasised that the law and order, as well as the overall security situation, in the provincial capital, was stable and normal. All social, economic, and educational activities, including examinations and teaching, were proceeding without any disruption in educational institutions, he added.
The spokesman urged citizens and parents not to lend credence to rumours spread by ‘malicious individuals’.
He advised citizens to refrain from participating in any unlawful activity and instead, uphold respect for the law. Speaking to The Express Tribune, a student, Zeeshan, said he had to submit an assignment and needed internet connection. The suspension of the internet service had caused immense trouble for him.
Another citizen, Tassawar Ali, said he ran a shop and visited a market on weekends. However, the uncertain law and order conditions had left him with no other option but to remain home.
Police and other law enforcement agencies continued a manhunt on Sunday for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers involved in agitation and violent acts after former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest.
The police arrested PTI leader Mehmoodur Rasheed and several party activists. An advertisement carrying photographs of the suspects identified from the videos and pictures of the attack was also published by the home department.
The police teams have so far arrested at least 3,186 suspects from different districts across the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2023.
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