Lawmakers' arrest sparks probe

Initial findings suggest police arrested PTI-backed MPAs by bypassing due protocols

RAWALPINDI:

An investigation has been initiated into the arrests of members of the Punjab Assembly during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in Rawalpindi, which were reportedly carried out without the approval of the speaker of the provincial assembly.

Rawalpindi Chief Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani has requested a detailed report from the relevant authorities to identify those responsible for this violation.

The inquiry follows the arrest of Tanveer Aslam, an elected Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from PP-19, in two cases related to anti-terrorism charges and violation of Section 144 during the PTI protests on September 28 and 29.

The CPO has recommended to the Punjab inspector general (IG) that the Interior Department should inform the speaker of the Punjab Assembly about the arrest of Aslam and any other assembly members implicated in these cases.

As per regulations, approval from the assembly speaker is mandatory for the arrest or detention of any assembly member. The investigation suggests that these legal protocols were not followed during the arrests in Rawalpindi.

CPO Hamdani has instructed divisional SPs, including SP Potohar Nasir Nawaz and SP Rawal Muhammad Haseeb, to submit a comprehensive report on the matter.

A letter has also been sent, emphasising that the Punjab IG had previously issued clear instructions on July 15, requiring speaker approval for the detention or arrest of any national or provincial assembly members.

The letter warns of strict departmental action against those found responsible for this oversight. A report detailing the arrest of MPA Tanveer Aslam has already been forwarded to the IG Punjab, noting that PTI held protests in Rawalpindi despite the enforcement of Section 144 on September 28 and 29. The police responded by arresting several protesters, including Aslam.

Cases related to the protests were registered at City and Waris Khan police stations under the Anti-Terrorism Act, including violations of Section 144 and other charges. Investigations revealed that Aslam was among those detained.

The CPO has recommended that the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly be formally notified of the arrest of provincial assembly members involved in the cases.

It is also noted that after subsequent protests on October 4 and 5, additional cases have been registered in various Rawalpindi police stations, with both current and former assembly members, as well as local PTI leadership, named in the cases.