Law enforcement agencies had reached the gate of Imran Khan’s residence twice but he called them back: Mohsin Naqvi
LAHORE, Mar 20 (SABAH): Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Monday said he had given a “free hand” to the police to establish the writ of the state in the province.
Mohsin Naqvi, during a press conference, shared that he was, earlier, asking the law enforcement agencies to hold back but would no longer do so. “We are also forming a JIT on the incidents that happened in the last five to seven days,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
“Right now it is really important to establish the writ of the state and writ of the government,” said the caretaker CM. He added that law enforcement agencies had reached the gate of Imran Khan’s residence twice but he called them back.
The caretaker CM said that the reason he asked them to return was that he did not want “anything to happen” that would ruin the environment or cause a loss of life.
Mohsin Naqvi also shared that when the police cleared Canal Road, a cop returning from duty was attacked and an Elite Force vehicle was attacked the same night.
“We told the policemen this morning that you can do what you want to do establish the writ of the government. If anyone challenges the police, they will break their hand,” said the CM.
He added that it was not possible that the cops could continue getting a beating just because he had asked them to hold themselves back.
“We have to establish the writ of the government at all costs. I am standing by the police force. If anyone takes law into their hands now they will be given a response they will never forget,” said CM Naqvi.
He added that the kind of “terrorism” the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was perpetrating was not what political parties did.
“They are terrorists. A joint investigation team will be formed and a notification will be issued by evening,” said the caretaker CM. He also added that the interim provincial government was writing a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for sharing details about the incidents in the province.
He said the PTI Chairman Imran Khan was openly threatening policemen with dire consequences. “Police cannot provide him security while he is cursing them. They can hold a public rally wherever they want but the law enforcers who they have been vilifying will not protect them anymore,” said the interim CM.
The caretaker chief minister criticised Imran Khan’s conduct, stating that if he did not trust the police, the security he provided could be withdrawn.
Naqvi added that police personnel could not offer protection to someone who verbally abuses them at night and expects the same force to safeguard them.
Naqvi said he had given the provincial police chief full powers so that he could do what he deemed appropriate. “I won’t interfere in between,” he added.
He further said that no political party did not react the way it [PTI] did during its protest. “In every condition, we have to establish the writ of the government.”
CM Naqvi said the police had been told to take legal action wherever it was necessary.
“I assured them that if anyone resorts to violence, they will get a stern reply. Political activity is your right but no one can react this aggressively,” he said while referring to the protesters.
Naqvi said the provincial government had also decided to write a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan about the matter.
Moreover, the caretaker chief minister announced compensation for policemen injured in the showdown with PTI protesters. “We will give Rs100,000 to each policeman who sustained minor injuries while Rs500,000 will be doled out to each who suffered major injuries.”