K-P Police warns against unlawful gatherings as governor’s rule looms

Issues operational guidelines for protests, warn of strict legal action against rioters

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police on Saturday warned citizens against participating in unlawful gatherings, saying those involved in vandalism, violence and disrupting law and order would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.

The guidelines came as the threat of governor's rule looms over the province amid intense friction between the Centre and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government on the issue of terrorism in the province and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's long march to Islamabad.

The police issued written operational guidelines for dealing with riots and protests, stating that damage to government installations, buildings and property would not be permitted during any demonstration.

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The guidelines warned that those participating in unlawful gatherings, violent activities or acts of provocation would face strict legal action.

Action would also be taken in accordance with the law against those disrupting public order, attacking security forces or buildings, or endangering the lives and property of citizens, the guidelines stated.

Citizens were urged to remain peaceful, abide by the law and avoid being misled by troublemakers.

According to the guidelines, special arrangements would be made to protect police stations, government buildings, banks, petrol pumps, commercial centres and major roads.

Protests and related activities would also be video-recorded to assist in subsequent legal proceedings.

The guidelines further stated that coordination with district administrations and other relevant institutions would be ensured to deal effectively with protest situations.

The federal government is considering various constitutional options, including the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency in K-P, in view of the situation in the province. Consultations on the matter were continuing.

Earlier today, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the overall political and security situation in the country, with the deteriorating law and order situation in K-P also coming under discussion.

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Separately, PM Shehbaz also met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to discuss the situation in K-P and other political matters.

Later, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met President Zardari and briefed him on the overall security situation in the country, particularly the deteriorating law and order situation in K-P.

The federal cabinet meeting has been convened for 9:30am on Sunday, where the situation in K-P and the available constitutional options are expected to be discussed.