LAHORE: The Punjab government has sought from the provincial police detailed reports on criminal action taken across the province against the leaders and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in the wake of “Haqeeqi Azadi March” taken out by PTI on May 25 this year.

It has also sought data of the cases registered against political leadership and workers of the party before, arrests made during and after Azadi March.

The Punjab home department informed the the provincial police officer that the data was to be presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior which had taken up the matter in some of its meetings held in June and July.

The department told the IG Punjab that it has received a letter from the chairman standing committee to furnish data in this regard as soon as possible.

Senate panel wants data on raids, cases, tear gas shells, rubber bullets

Through the official letter, the home department sought detailed reports as to why excessive force was used by the police in different cities of the province against the PTI protesters.

The Senate committee asked them to present reports on number of tear gas shells, hazardous expired chemical (if any) or rubber bullets used by the Punjab police.

The police were asked to present reports regarding the number of raids carried out at the residences of the PTI leaders and supporters and the details about lady police if accompanied them at that time.

It has also sought separate details about actions taken by the police against PTI senior leaders including Prof Yasmin Rashid, Rashid Khurram and Senator Ijaz Chaudhry.

The information about the killing of a protester at Ravi bridge and FIRs registered under anti-terrorism sections was also sought.

In addition, it has asked the Punjab police to submit reports about the grievances expressed by journalist Imran Riaz Khan regarding harassment by the police and commission of fake encounter outside his residence.

A senior police officer confirmed the development saying that Punjab police would present data after collecting [it] from the respective police officers of Lahore and other regions/districts.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2022