Criminal proceedings are under way and police has been registering cases and arresting those involved in damaging property and harassing citizens during countrywide demonstrations following a Supreme Court verdict acquitting Asia Bibi in a blasphemy case.
In Islamabad, cases have been registered against 700 people, out of which 56 have been arrested and 26 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 against rioters have been registered in 34 police stations across the city. In Lahore, eight suspects have been sent on a 14-day physical remand. A case has been registered against a member of the National Assembly and 300 others in Sargodha, whereas seven have been booked in DI Khan. Another 70 rioters have been arrested in Sheikhupura.
According to police, the rioters were arrested after being identified through video clips. “In Sheikhupura, the rioters not only damaged public property but also clashed with and wounded 34 policemen,” officials said. The Ministry of Interior has summoned a report from the FIA, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regarding the identity of the rioters.
Published in Daily Times, November 6th 2018.
