The Bahawalnagar police station in Punjab, Pakistan, witnessed a distressing incident when reports surfaced of a brazen intrusion by alleged armed personnel from the Pakistan Army. This shocking event unfolded as these armed soldiers forcibly entered the station, resulting in chaos and violence.
The incident took place at Madrisa Police Station, where police had reportedly confiscated illegal weapons from the brother of one of the soldiers. Reports indicate that the soldiers arrived in a convoy of seven to eight vehicles and stormed into the A Division police station. Once inside, they unleashed aggression, subjecting officers and personnel to degrading treatment and physical assault.
The attack occurred around 10 o’clock on Wednesday morning, following Eid prayers, resulting in serious injuries to multiple police officers and their colleagues. This incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability over the army’s disproportionate response to the weapon confiscation dispute.
In a video shared on social media, it is claimed that about 40-50 army personnel showed up at the police station and assaulted the officers. The soldiers reportedly confiscated DVRs, locked up officers, and subjected them to physical violence.
Reacting to the incident, Journalist Rauf Klasra posted on X saying, “Disturbing news coming from Bhawalnagar (Punjab) after a conflict between Policemen of Madrissa Police station and Khaki Jawans during patrolling over recovery of a weapon from brother of Khaki Commando. It sadly led to violent reaction followed by attack on police station by those Jawans. Police officials are now facing wrath and retaliations. Police cops have been beaten badly and injured. SHO and his staff beaten black and blue.
“Will Punjab Police boss Captain Usman rush to protect his force after DPO Naseebullah Khan is said to have failed to perform his duty? Local media is not being allowed to report these violent events. Army high command should take notice as situation is quite alarming there,” he added.
Meanwhile in a statement, the Punjab Police authorities dismissed the beatings as a “minor incident” and suggested that the conflict between the army and police was manufactured to create a false impression. According to the statement, the two institutions conducted an “immediate” joint investigation after unconfirmed rumors spread on social media. Officers from both institutions reviewed all the facts and resolved the matter “amicably”.
The statement also noted that the Pakistan Army and Punjab Police are continuing joint operations in the province to bring terrorists, miscreants, and dangerous criminals to justice.
Here is how netizens reacted:
