LAHORE: The Punjab caretaker government on Saturday decided to arrest more than 500 women for their alleged involvement in the May 9 arson attacks in the province, dismissing requests from various quarters to have a ‘lenient approach’ for them.

PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz also stressed ‘stern action’ against the women involved in the attacks on the army installations after the arrest of their leader Imran Khan.

“The women involved in the attacks on military installations will be arrested at any cost as they do not deserve any leniency,” Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi said during a meeting held to review the police progress in action in the aftermath of May 9 so far.

“More than 500 women are wanted in 138 cases registered in connection with the May 9 incidents across Punjab,” he said and directed the inspector general of police (IGP) to ensure their arrest at the earliest.

More than 500 women wanted in 138 cases across Punjab; CM says they deserve no leniency

The CM directed the police chief to make sure that the women police should accompany the male cops while arresting the women.

“The arrested women should be kept in the women police stations,” the IGP was told.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police have launched action against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) women wanted in the arson attacks. There are alleged reports that the police have arrested some women in the raids in Shadbagh and other areas of the city.

The caretaker government also declared that these 500 or so women would face trial under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

“However, some concessions may be given to the (PTI) women who court their arrest before the police for ‘committing their attacks on military sites’, especially those who were present inside and outside the Lahore Corps Commander House known as the Jinnah House,” the government said.

Separately, Maryam Nawaz said she was in favour of taking action against the women suspects.

“I support action against the women involved in the May 9 attacks. These women had taken terrorism training at Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence. Crime is crime…as the gender does not matter. If these women committed a crime, they should face police action. Jaisa jurm hoga waisi hi saza hogi (the punishment will be according to the crime committed),” the daughter of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif said while addressing the party’s Ulema wing here on Saturday.

PTI chief Imran Khan said in a tweet: “The way Pakistani women stood up for Haqeeqi Azadi, they will be remembered and become part of our democratic history. Also what will never be forgotten is the brutality of our security forces and the shameless way they went out of their way to abuse, hurt and humiliate our women.”

Mr Khan said hundreds were languishing in jail in terrible conditions.

“This too won’t be forgotten,” he added.

The police have also started arresting some ‘social media journalists’ present in Liberty Chowk and the Cantonment area while covering the arson attacks.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2023