ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the authorities on Saturday to arrest all the protesters involved in vandalizing and torching state properties, including sensitive military installations, in the wake of former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest, saying it was vital to bring such individuals to justice.
Violent protest broke out in different parts of Pakistan and almost paralyzed life in major urban centers like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi after paramilitary Rangers stormed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and arrested Khan in a graft case. The development took place after the former prime minister arrived at the court to seek bail in two legal cases pending against him.
The impassioned supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party took to the streets, blaming the country’s powerful army for their leader’s detention while demanding his release. Videos circulating on social media showed PTI supporters barging into a top army officer’s Lahore residence before setting it ablaze.
Khan, who was released from custody on Friday after getting a two-week bail, told journalists he was not responsible for his supporters’ behavior since he was in confinement. He added if he were to be rearrested again, a similar reaction should be expected.
“On May 9, the corps commander’s house in Lahore, which is the historical Jinnah House [used by the founder of Pakistan], was completely destroyed and burnt to ashes by PTI’s mob,” PM Sharif said during a trip to the eastern Lahore city. “The mob did what our enemies could not do in the 75-year history of the country. Therefore, all those involved in the tragic incident will be given exemplary punishment in accordance with law and the constitution of this country.”
The prime minister especially condemned PTI supporters for attacking sensitive army buildings and chanting slogans against the country’s military.
“Attacking an institution, whose soldiers are working 24 hours to protect this country from enemies without thinking about their own lives, is condemnable,” he said, adding he was deeply sad to see Pakistani citizens acting like enemies of the state.
Sharif asserted he had issued detailed instructions to the authorities concerned to arrest all those involved in the violent protests, wherever they were in Pakistan.
“Whoever was involved in the incident, including those who incited the mobs, those who were responsible for their abetment, and those who launched the attacks, will be arrested,” he continued. “I have told the authorities that this is a now-or-never and do-or-die situation for the state.”
“Those arrested will be tried in anti-terrorism courts,” he said. “I have ordered the courts to remain operational even during the night, if need be.”
