Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Karim has warned that no one will be allowed to damage public or private property during planned protests on September 27. He said anyone who breaks the law will face legal action.
Speaking to the media outside the Lahore High Court, the Punjab police chief said people planning to hold a protest must first get permission from the relevant deputy commissioner. He also said that, to his knowledge, no application for a protest had been submitted at that point.
The warning comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has planned a march towards Islamabad on September 27, with the party calling for the release of Imran Khan. Security arrangements have been increased in Punjab and nearby areas ahead of the planned event.
The Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 across the province until October 5. The order restricts gatherings of five or more people in public places, along with rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations.
The Punjab IG also rejected allegations of vandalism at homes and said people with complaints could approach the police complaint cell. He said police action would not be discriminatory and that the department has an internal accountability system.
