The Punjab government has decided to launch a crackdown on the members of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) following clashes with police that resulted in the martyrdom of four policemen and left dozens of others injured.
Consensus on the crackdown was reached during a meeting of the Punjab cabinet’s sub-committee on law and order.
The committee members decided to arrest members of the banned outfit in each district of the province on the basis of lists prepared by the special branch of the police.
The participants were informed that so far, 287 people have been arrested across the province.
Chairing the cabinet committee’s meeting, Punjab Minister for Cooperatives and Law Basharat Raja declared that no one will be allowed to challenge writ of the state, adding that those found involved in any such activity would be dealt with sternly.
The meeting further decided to send reinforcement of 500 police commandos to Gujranwala from separate districts to deal with the protesters.
Later speaking to the media, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali said that they would ensure peace at every cost and would not allow anyone to implement its agenda by force.
“The protection of life, honour and prosperity of the common man is the top priority of the government and no negligence or laxity will neither be tolerated, nor showed.”
The IGP said that no one would be allowed to take law into their hands and create huddles in the affairs of the state, adding that the Punjab Police are committed to ensure writ of the state.
“The TLP protesters opened fire on police, martyring four cops and injuring 263 others,” Rao Sardar Ali confirmed.
Earlier addressing a press conference, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that on the request of the Punjab government, Punjab Rangers have been deployed in Punjab province with delegation of police powers to maintain the law and order situation 7.
He said that the Rangers would be deployed in the province for two months- 60 days- for ensuring the safety and security of the people.
of the province.
