PM Shehbaz to review legal action against November 24 rioters weekly

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities concerned to take stringent measures against the protesters responsible for the martyrdom and injury of law enforcement personnel, as well as the damage to public property during the sit-in protests in Islamabad on November 24.

The prime minister made these comments during a meeting of the task force formed to investigate the violent riots in the federal capital, Express News reported.

The premier had formed task force to identify and take strict action against individuals involved in the violence during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Islamabad earlier this week.

Thr step comes days after more than 10,000 PTI protesters breached a public gathering ban and locked down the city to clash with security forces. Riot police responded with tear gas as protesters neared the heavily barricaded D-Chowk.

Following intense clashes, PTI leadership called off their planned sit-in, but the turmoil has heightened political and security tensions across the capital.

Charing the meeting today, the prime minister stressed the need for regular updates on the legal proceedings against the rioters, which will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

He also condemned the attack on Islamabad, especially during the official visit of the Belarusian president, calling it an act that caused significant embarrassment for the country.

As part of long-term measures, Prime Minister Sharif announced plans to establish a world-class anti-riot force in the country to meet contemporary security challenges.

Additionally, he outlined plans to upgrade the Islamabad Safe City project to international standards, including the establishment of a new forensic lab, with all necessary resources allocated for this purpose.

During the briefing, the prime minister was informed that weapons, cartridges, shells, and other evidence collected from the crime scene would be sent for forensic analysis.

Authorities are also working to quickly identify the rioters, who will soon be presented before the courts for legal action, he told.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarra, Advisor to PM Rana Sanaullah, and senior government officials.