As political tensions continue to escalate following the dramatic arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman (PTI) Imran Khan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have called in army troops to control the situation on the ground following the suit of the Punjab government.
Army authorized to restore law, order and peace
The Ministry of Interior has approved the Punjab government’s request for assistance by sanctioning ten companies of troops, saying that the army would be working alongside the district administration to restore law, order, and peace. The federal government authorized the deployment of Pakistan Army troops/assets for maintaining law and order situations across the Punjab province in aid of civil power under Article 245 of the constitution and Section 4 (3) (ii) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.
Deployment details to be worked out
The exact number of troops/assets, date and area of deployment will be determined by the provincial government in consultation with the MO Dte, GHQ. The notification added that the date of the de-requisition of the said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation between both stakeholders.
945 arrested for hooliganism
In a separate statement, Punjab police confirmed that they have arrested 945 lawbreakers and miscreants from across the province, who were involved in violent acts, vandalism, and damage to public and private property. They also seriously injured over 130 police officers and law enforcement personnel during the violent operations. More than 25 vehicles of the police and government agencies were destroyed and burnt. Protesters had attacked more than 14 government buildings, looting and causing serious damage to government property.
Strict legal action against the perpetrators
Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar said strict legal action is being taken against those who challenge the writ of the state and the law. He reaffirmed that those who injure citizens, police officers and personnel, and damage property will be brought to justice.
Uncertainty remains
The situation in Pakistan remains tense and unpredictable as political tensions rise. The involvement of the army in controlling the situation will undoubtedly have an impact on the country’s political climate.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
