Rangers to be deployed in Lahore amid religious party's protest
Police and Rangers will conduct joint patrols on Lahores Mall Road and Canal Road.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – As the protest by workers of a religious party has brought to standstill traffic in several major cities and highways; stranding thousands of commuters – women, elderly and children, Punjab government has ordered deployment of Rangers alongside the police at 16 crucial points of the provincial capital.
The decision was made in an important meeting held in Lahore with Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat in chair. The meeting reviewed situation of protests being staged in the province especially in Lahore.
Sources said that the meeting ordered deployment of Rangers alongside police at 16 crucial points. The paramilitary force will be deployed alongside police outside CM Secretariat, GOR-I, Civil Secretariat, Governor House, Punjab Assembly and IG Office.
In addition, police and Rangers will conduct joint patrols on Lahore’s Mall Road and Canal Road. Those who would take the law in their hands will be arrested immediately and booked in a case.
It was also decided in the meeting that it would be the responsibility of the police and Rangers to improve law and order situation, however, assistance from Pakistan Army can be sought if situation worsens.
Speaking in the meeting, Raja Basharat said that no one would be allowed to take law in their hand, while the routes leading to the hospitals would be kept clear.
Besides, another meeting has been summed after canceling the leaves of police personnel and officers across Punjab.
Govt to strictly deal with law-breakers
Earlier today, government decided to take action against law-breakers ordered to reopen several road and entry and exits points that were closed due to protests by a religious party.
A high level meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, decided action against those disturbing law and order situation, as well as ordered to suspend cellular and internet services for 24 hours in areas where the law and order situation deteriorates.
It merits mention that the protest by workers of a religious party had brought to standstill traffic in several major cities and highways; stranding thousands of commuters – women, elderly and children.
There are severe traffic jams in different parts of Lahore. Traffic remains paralyzed at Yateem Khana Chowk, Ferozpur Road, Shahdara, Daroghwala Chowk. In Faisalabad, traffic flow has been severely affected due to closure of various highways.
Roads in different parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also been blocked, causing long queues of vehicles at entry and exit point of the cities.
In Karachi, Rangers personnel have been deployed to keep law and order situation under control. Spokesperson of Motorway Police has urged people to avoid unnecessary travels.
