Around 1800 arrested in countrywide crackdown on rioters

ISLAMABAD: Law enforcement agencies have apprehended around 1800 individuals from all over the country, who were allegedly involved in vandalism, torture and arson during demonstrations following a Supreme Court verdict acquitting Asia Bibi.

The number of arrestees was provided by the Ministry of Interior, which said they had been booked under relevant sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

In Islamabad, cases have been registered against 700 people, 56 arrested and 26 have been remanded. Orders have also been issued to imprison 19 rioters under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). According to Islamabad administration, 33 rioters have been identified.

In Karachi, cases have been registered in 34 police stations across the city against rioters. In Lahore, eight suspects have been sent on a 14-day physical remand.

A case has been registered against former MNA Aslam Kachela and 300 others in Sargodha, whereas, seven have been booked in DI Khan. 

Further, 70 rioters have been arrested from Sheikhupura. 

According to police, the rioters were identified through videos and then arrested. "In Sheikhupura, the rioters had not only damaged property but clashed and wounded 34 policemen," officials added.

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi has summoned a report today from the FIA, National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding the identities of the rioters.

Earlier, during a meeting chaired by the state minister it was decided that assistance will be sought from the Ministry of Defence to identify the rioters.

The government has also established a complaint cell to collect videos of miscreants involved in damaging property and harassing citizens.

According to the Ministry of Interior, citizens can share pictures and videos of those involved in damaging state and private property by WhatsApping on 0331 5480011. The ministry has assured that the name and number of citizens who share pictures and videos of violent protesters will be kept confidential. 

The ministry on Sunday released initial pictures of the miscreants involved in vandalising property and harming common citizens during the demonstrations, which ended on Friday after the government reached an agreement with the protesters. 

Police said 500 people, including Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and senior leader Afzal Qadri, have been booked in 11 cases. The suspects face charges of disrupting peace and blocking roads in Lahore.

Petition for compensation fixed for hearing 

The Lahore High Court on Monday fixed a petition for hearing, which asked for compensating citizens for their properties destroyed during the protests.

The petition, filed by a citizen, holds Punjab government responsible for failing to protect the properties of citizens, and asks that those whose properties, cars, etc have been destroyed or damaged be compensated.