KARACHI – Three provinces, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Islamabad, have requested the army’s assistance in maintaining law and order throughout the province.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the army had been requested by the local government under Article 245 of the constitution. Due to the country’s deteriorating law and order situation, the army has been called in. The Home Department has published a notice to that effect. According to the report, 10 army companies will be available to the Punjab government and will be initially stationed in Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
Meanwhile, the army has also been summoned for support in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Four people died and 27 suffered injuries amid clashes between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police and protesters following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan.
Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim confirmed that four dead bodies had been brought to the hospital. “The injured have been shot in hands and legs, and they are being given emergency medical aid,” he added.
Violent protests continued on the second day in several cities across the country. The Islamabad police have arrested 109 PTI activists so far with Sindh police claiming the arrests of 270 people. The protests have been held in major cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Quetta, with thousands of PTI workers taking part.
Demonstrators have been demanding the release of Imran Khan and many have been carrying banners and placards denouncing the arrest. The protests have led to the imposition of Section 144 in many cities, which prohibits gatherings and political activities. This measure has been put in place to maintain law and order, according to the ministry of interior.
Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against those who violate Section 144. This includes the use of force if necessary, to disperse protesters who refuse to comply. As per reports, police are conducting raids to arrest PTI workers and supporters.
