RAWALPINDI: Police continued to make efforts to trace the people involved in firing in the air which caused closure of flying operation by the PAF at Nur Khan Airbase on Friday and disturbed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s departure to Lahore due to safety issue.

The prime minister’s cavalcade’s car used by the security team was also hit by a stray bullet that penetrated through its roof when it was parked at the base terminal. However, the driver remained unhurt.

For a safe operational environment from Nur Khan Base for VVIP movements, the authorities have asked the district administration of Rawalpindi to implement Section 144 efficiently. Police have not yet made any arrests.

According to a police report, the prime minister’s cavalcade arrived at 4pm and was parked at PAF Base Nur Khan Terminal.

In the meantime, the cavalcade car in use of PM’s security team was also hit by a stray bullet that penetrated through its roof. But fortunately the driver Mohammad Ali remained unhurt.

The incident sparked panic among the senior police officers who rushed to the spot, collected evidence and launched an investigation after registration of FIR with Airport police.

At 3pm on Feb24, kite flying activity along with jubilatory firing started to pick up in Khurram Colony, Muslim Town, Sadiqabad and Afandi Colony areas, said the FIR registered with the police.

It said PAF had to close down the base due to the intensity of kites flying and stray bullets.

The authorities asked the police to take measures to stop kite flying and jubilatory firing around Nur Khan Air Base.

A suspect involved in the firing was detained by police after a stray bullet hit and injured a police official Amir Mehmood, performing duty with SP Potohar on unannounced ‘Basant’ on Friday.

However, the accused was bailed out after four days on Monday by the anti-terrorism court.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2023