Pakistan Army called in to assist police in Punjab, KP, Balochistan, Islamabad
We will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands: ISPR
Says May 9 will be remembered as ‘black chapter’
Says ‘this group wearing a political cloak’ has done what enemies could not do in 75 years, all ‘in the lust for power’
Says facilitators, planners & political activists involved in the protests had been identified
RAWALPINDI ( Web News )
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday that May 9 will be remembered as a “black chapter”, referring to the protests “targeting army property and installations” that took place after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest a day earlier.
“We will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands,” it said in a statement.
The military’s media wing said that Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court “in line with the NAB statement and law”. “Immediately after this arrest, attacks were perpetrated on the army’s properties and installations while slogans anti-army slogans were raised.”
The ISPR said that on the one hand, “these miscreants evoke the nation’s emotions for achieving their limited and selfish objectives and on the other hand, they deceive people, continuing to highlight the army’s importance”. “This is an example of hypocrisy,” it stated.
The military’s media wing said that “this group wearing a political cloak” has done what enemies could not do in 75 years, all “in the lust for power”.
“The army showed patience and restraint and exercised extreme tolerance, not even caring about its reputation, in the larger interest of the country,” it said.
“With this situation created under nefarious planning, a heinous attempt was made to make the army give its immediate reaction, which could be used for its nefarious political purposes.
“The Army’s mature response thwarted this conspiracy. We are well aware that behind it were orders, directives and complete pre-planning by some sinister party leadership,” the statement added.
The ISPR said that the facilitators, planners and political activists involved in the protests had been identified, asserting that strict action would be taken against them “as per the law and all these evil elements will now be responsible for the consequences”.
“Any further attack on the army, including all law enforcement agencies, military and state installations and properties will be severely retaliated, the responsibility of which will be on this very group that wants to push Pakistan into a civil war and has expressed it multiple times.
“No one can be allowed to incite people and take the law into their hands,” the army’s media wing added.
The Pakistan army has been called in by three provinces including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Islamabad to help the local administration and police in maintaining law and order across the province.
The Punjab Home Department said the army had been called in under Article 245 of the Constitution to assist the civil administration. The army has been called in due to deteriorating law and order situation in the province. A notification to the effect has been issued by the Home Department.
It says 10 companies of the army will be at Punjab government’s disposal and they will initially be deployed in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi and Multan.
Federal government has approved the deployment of Army in Punjab on the request of the Provincial Home Department. According to a notification issued by the Interior Ministry in this regard on Wednesday, the services of 10 companies of Pakistan Army have been handed over to Punjab government. The Army will assist the district administrations to maintain law and order across the province.
The notification issued by the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Interior says:
ORDER
S.R.O (1)/2023:- Pursuant to the request made by Home Department, Government of the Punjab vide their letter No.SO(IS-II)3-15/2-23 (Security) (I) dated 9th May, 2023, the Federal Government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution and Section 4(3) (ii) of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (to discharge such functions as specified in the said act), is pleased to authorize deployment of Pakistan Army troos/assets for maintaining law and order situation across the Punjab province in aid of Civil power.
- The exact number of troos/assets, date and area of deployment will be worked out by the Provincial Government in consultation with MO Dte, GHQ. The date of de-requisitioning of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among both the stakeholders.
The notification has been issued by Section Officer (CAF), Shoukat Ali Khan. The copies of the notification have been sent to all the concerned officials.
Meanwhile according to a private TV channel, the Pakistan Army has also been summoned for support in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Earlier on Tuesday, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Chaudhry Azam Nazir Tarar advocate had said that the law would take its course and legal matters should not be settled on roads, warning that nobody would be allowed to damage public or private property.
Speaking to the media, he said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan was arrested as per law by executing the arrest warrants issued by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman.
Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi said those involved in attacks on government installations and security forces would be dealt with an iron hand. He vowed not to spare any one going against the state and law.
At least four people died and 27 suffered injuries amid clashes between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police and protestors ahead of protests against the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan.
Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim confirmed that four dead bodies had been brought to the hospital. “The injured have been shot in hands and legs, and they are being given emergency aid,” he added.
Violent protests continued on the second day in several cities across the country. The Islamabad police have arrested 109 PTI activists so far with Sindh police claiming the arrests of 270 people. The protests have been held in major cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Quetta, with thousands of PTI workers taking part.
Demonstrators have been demanding the release of Imran Khan and many have been carrying banners and placards denouncing the arrest. The protests have led to the imposition of Section 144 in many cities, which prohibits gatherings and political activities. This measure has been put in place to maintain law and order, according to the ministry of interior.
Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against those who violate Section 144. This includes the use of force if necessary, to disperse protesters who refuse to comply. As per reports, police are conducting raids to arrest PTI workers and supporters.