Islamabad IGP
Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi revealed that 954 protesters were arrested during a three-day operation addressing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) demonstrations. During this period, 210 vehicles and a significant cache of weapons were also confiscated.
In a joint press conference with Islamabad Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Wednesday, IGP Rizvi clarified the distinction between legitimate protests and acts of terrorism.
He emphasized that peaceful protests aim to express viewpoints and achieve legitimate objectives, whereas attacks on law enforcement, destruction of property, and acts of violence constitute terrorism. “Besieging 2.5 million citizens is not a protest,” Rizvi remarked.
Rizvi further stated that no terrorist activities disguised as protests would be tolerated. “What kind of protest is this where AK-47s and other weapons are used? If this is a protest, such protests will not be allowed,” he asserted.
He disclosed that protesters directly targeted Rangers and police with firearms, tear-gas shells, and resources supplied by provincial authorities. Many protesters, he alleged, were armed with sniper rifles and disguised with masks.
The operation led to the arrest of 954 individuals, with 610 apprehended in a single day. Additionally, 71 law enforcement officials were injured, including 27 officers who suffered gunshot wounds, while three Rangers personnel were martyred.
The IGP highlighted that damages caused by the protests amounted to billions of rupees.
Commissioner Randhawa echoed Rizvi’s concerns, stating that a designated area in Sangjani had been offered for protests as per court orders, but the party chose to ignore this directive.
He criticized the destruction of Safe City cameras, green belts, metro stations, and other public assets during the unrest.
Randhawa also condemned attacks on journalists and media houses, incidents of arson, and damage to private establishments such as petrol stations.
He announced enhanced patrolling of sensitive areas and a stricter security clearance policy, vowing to prevent unauthorized individuals from remaining in Islamabad.
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