RAWALPINDI: Seven cases have been registered against leaders and workers of political parties for violating the government ban on fireworks, threatening opponents of dire consequences and creating law and order situation during the election campaign so far.

However, none of those nominated in the FIRs have been arrested yet.

A senior police official said those who violate the code of conduct and the ban on fireworks, display firearms and those who try to create law and order situations will be treated according to the law.

According to police sources, three of the cases were registered with the Gujar Khan police, and one each with the Banni, City, R.A Bazaar and Wah Cantt police.

Malik Rais, a resident of Tehli Moori lodged an FIR with R.A Bazaar police on June 25, saying he was displaying posters of a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf candidate in PP-14 in the Cantt area when two unidentified motorcycle riders came and tore the posters. They also threatened him, fired gunshots into the air and took Rs2,000 from him.

Detective Foot Constable Rafiq Tariq complained to the Banni police on June 30, saying that PML-N UC-35 chairman organised a public procession in violation of the election commission’s code of conduct by putting on a display of fireworks during the procession. The police said UC-35 Chairman Aurangzeb, vice chairman Sheikh Farhan and some 200 or 250 people participated in the procession.

The chief guest NA-62 candidate Sheikh Arslan Hafeez, the PP-16 candidate and PML-N Senator Chaudhry Tanveer Ahmed arrived later.

When contacted, Station House Officer Mohammad Riaz said the police will determine who was involved in the display of fireworks as everyone identified in the FIR will not be held responsible.

The City police received a complaint from Sub-Inspector Mohammad Arif said he was on patrol when he found some political workers carrying fireworks in Naya Mohallah.

Three separate cases were registered with the Gujar Khan police for clashes between political rivals.

The Punjab government has directed the police to make security arrangements to ensure free and fair elections in coordination with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

They have been directed to implement security instructions and standard operating procedures for public gatherings and corner meetings.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2018