Opposition questions police conduct over terrorism charges

Calls for visible dispensation of justice in recent shooting case

LAHORE:

The Opposition in the Punjab Assembly has raised concerns over the conduct of the police, questioning the inconsistency in the application of terrorism charges.

They pointed out that previously, FIRs under terrorism charges were filed against PTI lawmakers for conducting peaceful protests and rallies.

In contrast, a recent violent incident, involving the gunning down of two family members and injuring six others, saw no terrorism or trespass charges being applied.

During a session, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) member Farhat Abbas brought attention to the issue through a call attention notice.

Abbas criticized the provincial police for their inefficiency and questioned the absence of terrorism charges in the recent case.

He highlighted that in the Factory Area police precincts, despite recovering 70 bullet shells from the scene, the assailants who indiscriminately fired into a house and caused chaos were not charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act (7 ATA) or trespass laws.

Abbas emphasised that his speech was not for point-scoring but to demand visible justice.

He noted that while one of the attackers had surrendered, the police had not arrested the other suspects, instead providing protocol to the surrendering individual.

Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar assured the House that justice would be served. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman also committed to visiting the affected family and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

During the question hour, Treasury lawmakers criticised the transport department for submitting incorrect replies to queries.

Pakistan Muslim Leagues-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Amjad Ali Javed expressed frustration over the persistent issue of inaccurate information being presented to the assembly.

Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan defended the department, stating that passengers receive subsidies higher than those in other provinces.

He assured the House that 27 electric buses would be operational by November or December and that new diesel hybrid buses would soon be on the roads across the province.

After completing the agenda items, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House until May 17 at 2 PM.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2024.