The Punjab government has acquired the services of the Pakistan Army for maintaining the law and order situation in the province in the wake of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Lahore.
According to a notification issued on Saturday, the Army will assist the provincial authorities in maintaining the law and order situation.
In the wake of the 23rd SCO Summit, the Army was enlisted for security at airbases, VIP routes, and hotels.
As per the rules of engagement, the Army, police, and security agencies will work together to counter the anarchic mob and deal with any threat. Anti-riot force will be used to deal with any mobs and disorderly groups
The use of minimum force and immediate arrests should be implemented to deal with the disorderly mob. The Punjab Chief Secretary issued instructions to the Home Department in this regard.
It should be noted that after Islamabad and Rawalpindi, PTI has announced a protest in Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan today. To encounter the protest, the government has sealed the city.
The entry and exit points of the Punjab capital were closed. Officials at the checkpoints are letting a limited number of vehicles enter and exit the city.
The motorways were closed by placing containers. Entry blocked at Thokar Niaz Baig, Babusabu, Mahmood Booti Interchange.
The police force was present throughout the night. Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek Insaf leader Hamad Azhar announced the time of protest in Lahore.
Taking to social media platform X, the former minister said there will be a protest at Minar-e-Pakistan at 2 o’clock on Saturday.
He stressed that there would be a peaceful demonstration of people’s power for freedom and an independent judiciary. The people of Lahore will come out tomorrow, he added.
