LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Punjab government on Saturday to arrest vandals and those involved in arson attacks within 72 hours of the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan.
The premier, who presided over the meeting at the Punjab Safe City Authority headquarters in Lahore, described it as a “critical task that requires swift action to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”
“I am setting a target for all responsible culprits, planners, instigators, and attackers to be apprehended within the next 72 hours,” said the premier.
Imran’s arrest on the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9 sparked protests in many cities across the country, with party activists and supporters clashing with police.
In an unprecedented act of vandalism, PTI supporters attacked and damaged the historic Corps’ Commander’s House in Lahore — originally known as Jinnah House and once serving as the residence of the nation’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
During the meeting today, the prime minister said that the “law will take action against those who have made plans and attacked the police”.
“The law will take action against them so that an exemplary precedent is set, demonstrating that those who act against the cherished homeland and the institutions that constantly risk their lives to defeat enemies will face consequences,” he added.
I have given law enforcement apparatus a target of 72 hours to arrest all those involved in facilitating, abetting and perpetrating the disgraceful incidents of arson, ransacking, sabotage & damaging public & private properties. All available resources including technological aid…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 13, 2023
PM Shehbaz went on to say that any attempt to disrupt our nation’s peace and stability is “absolutely unacceptable,” and that this is a critical moment that requires our unwavering commitment.
“We must act swiftly and decisively.” “It is an emergency, and failure is not an option,” he insisted.
The premier added that the culprits will be apprehended and cases will be filed against them in Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) in accordance with the law and Constitution.
“I have requested an increase in the number of ATCs to ensure that proceedings proceed quickly and efficiently.” We are determined to take all necessary steps, including holding proceedings at night, to ensure that justice is served and the rule of law is upheld.”
PM Shehbaz went on to say that the ATCs should start working right away.
“It is critical that we set an example that no terrorist or enemy will dare to cast a negative light on Pakistan’s institutions until the day of judgement,” he said.
The prime minister also stated that he has asked caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to ensure that those responsible for the unrest are apprehended and charged.
Earlier in the day, the Punjab government decided to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to look into riots and vandalism in the province following the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan.
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