PESHAWAR, May 9: Councillors staged a walkout from the Peshawar City District Council on Tuesday to protest against deteriorating law and order situation in the provincial capital. The protesting councillors and nazims complained that the Capital City Police had failed to eliminate lawlessness and provide security to citizens.

Capital City Police chief Habibur Rehman’s letter irritated the councillors and nazims in which he termed law and order situation in the city and adjoining areas satisfactory.

The letter, which was read out in the council’s session, said that CCP chief did not agree with the opinion of the council’s members about the law and order situation. However, it said, police would further improve the situation and action would be taken against police officials failing to deliver.

The councillors and nazims criticised the remarks of the CCP chief and staged a walkout from the council session.

Nazim Riaz Bacha alleged that police officials were harbouring criminals and left the citizens at the mercy of gangsters. He contradicted remarks of the CCP chief, saying that crimes were rampant. Later the councillors end their boycott.

Senior Superintendent of Police (operation) Saeed Wazir briefed council members about law and order situation in the district. He said that the police department should not be held responsible for the prevailing situation.

He said that it was imperative that judiciary, prosecution and executive should also fulfil its responsibilities.