50 held over attacking air base

Authorities say damage caused by rioting across Mianwali amounts to Rs85m

MIANWALI:

The aftermath of the violent incidents that took place in the district of Mianwali on May 9 continues to unfold.

According to authorities, the damages caused by the attacks amounted to an estimated Rs85 million.

In response to the attack on the PAF Air Base M M Alam, 54 individuals have been arrested.

An additional 328 people have been detained throughout the district.

During the occupation of the Kamar Mishani Police Station by the miscreants, the DPO of Mianwali had been injured.

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the affected areas, including the M M Alam Base, and praised the officials who thwarted the attack on the security installation.

He said that he would recommend to the government to award medals to the officials for their bravery.

He also said that those involved in the violent incidents would face punishment according to the law.

Naqvi also visited the DHQ Hospital and the Mother and Child Hospital to inquire after the health of Inspector Iqbal and other patients who were injured during the police encounter.

Naqvi also inspected the building of the sessions court that had been burnt by the miscreants. Police stations Kamar Mishani and Musa Khel had also been stormed by the miscreants.

It was reported on these pages the other day that the city had 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 of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Tuesday, PTI workers and supporters had led violent protests across the country.

Cases were registered against multiple nominated and unidentified suspects. Police sources had affirmed that legal action would be taken against the accused, and raids had 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 people were booked, and police were 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.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2023.