In response to the clashes between police authorities and PTI workers, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has given the police authorities free rein to establish the writ of the state.
While addressing a press conference, Mohsin Naqvi said that earlier, he asked the law enforcement agencies to hold back but now they will no longer do so. He said if anyone challenges the writ of the state, and raises their hands at the police, their “hands will be broken”.
It is not possible that the police can silently endure all the beatings and withdraw for fear of bloodshed, Mohsin Naqvi said. He said that the police only went to the gate of PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s house twice and later withdrew at his request. He said the authorities have always tried to prevent the situation from escalating.
While recalling incidents of police personnel being attacked and looted during the Zaman Park fiasco, Mohsin Naqvi asserted that the writ of the state needs to be maintained and he has asked the IG to take any necessary action in this regard.
اب جو پولیس والوں کی طرف ہاتھ بڑھائے گا وہ ان کے ہاتھ توڑیں گے، محسن نقوی
— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) March 20, 2023
Furthermore, Caretaker Punjab chief minister Mohsin Naqvi also announced to form Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the ‘terror’ incidents that took place during the Zaman Park operation.
Read more: Zaman Park drama comes to a halt
“We are also forming a JIT on the incidents that happened in the last five to seven days,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
Mohsin Naqvi should understand what its his constitutional role, and what the caretaker CM can do. Opening threatening the citizens of Pakistan is absolutely shameful, targeting the largest political party is disgusting.
جو بندہ آصف زرداری کو باپ مانے اس کا کیا کردار ہوگا؟ pic.twitter.com/uV1xoJ47lC
— PTI (@PTIofficial) March 20, 2023
Mohsin Naqvi also expressed solidarity with the police and assured a harsh response against anyone who would attack the law enforcement agencies. He also announced financial assistance of Rs 100,000 for police personnel who sustained minor injuries during the Zaman Park operation, while those who were critically injured will receive up to Rs 500,000.
The past week Pakistan witnessed alarming scenes in Lahore as police authorities and PTI workers clashed outside Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence, turning the area into a war zone.
The law enforcement agencies tried to arrest Imran Khan, however, they were met with strong resistance by the PTI workers and the situation escalated when the police fought pitched battles with supporters of Imran Khan near his residence, firing fusillades of teargas and dodging rocks thrown by angry crowds.
Read more: Zaman Park operation: Police enter Imran Khan’s residence after breaking front doors