ISLAMABAD: The Federal government on Tuesday directed the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to maintain law and order to ensure the free movement of people in their respective provinces.
The letters written by the Ministry of Interior to the Chief Secretaries of both provinces cited the disruption caused by protesters to the movement of the people, which is in contravention of Article 15 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
This article of the Constitution promises freedom of movement to every citizen of Pakistan and is viewed with great concern.
The letters further pointed out that it appears that the provincial governments are failing in their constitutional and legal obligations to maintain law and order, which can have serious consequences.
Hence, it is requested to immediately remove the protesters to restore smooth movement on motorways, highways, and link roads.
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Moreover, the letter addressed to Punjab Chief Secretary also mentioned the Ministry of Interior’s earlier letter No 13/23/2022 dated November 5, 2022, wherein it had been requested to take effective measures for maintaining law and order and protecting the lives and liberties of all citizens in the province, which is the primary responsibility of provincial government.
It has been further observed that small groups of protesters are bent on closing the motorways (including M-2), people, the, and link roads. This is impeding the routine movement of people, transportation of goods, inter-city travel, the provision of emergency services, and children’s access to schools.
