KP Information Minister Claims Police Have Withdrawn Security of PTI Lawmakers as Long March Heads Towards Swabi
PESHAWAR:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has claimed that the provincial police have withdrawn security provided to him and other parliamentarians, warning that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) would be held responsible if any harm came to him or another elected representative.
In a post on social media platform X, Shafi Jan said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had withdrawn security for him and other parliamentarians. He held the provincial police chief responsible for any untoward incident involving them.
He also asserted that Pakistan’s political landscape continued to be dominated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
Meanwhile, the PTI’s long march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa entered its seventh day, with the procession expected to move towards Swabi after passing through Mardan.
Addressing participants at Manga Bazaar in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi thanked supporters for participating in the march and urged people from across Pakistan to reach Swabi the following day under the leadership of their elected representatives.
Afridi said the administration would welcome and facilitate participants arriving in Swabi. He declared that Imran Khan’s supporters would reach the destination regardless of the difficulties they faced, whether travelling by car, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot.
The chief minister claimed that the expected large turnout would make it difficult for anyone to resort to firing against the protesters.
He said the PTI would not retreat in the face of what he described as oppressive tactics. Afridi also claimed that the party had a plan for Swabi that would surprise its political opponents.
Emphasising the need for peaceful demonstrations, he urged participants to remain calm and avoid giving anyone an opportunity to create disorder or sabotage the protest.
### KP Police Issues Operational Guidelines
Separately, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have issued written operational instructions to deal with rioting, vandalism and public demonstrations, according to a statement released by the office of the provincial IGP.
The police warned that individuals involved in violence, property damage or activities threatening public order would face strict legal action.
According to the statement, no one would be allowed to damage government installations, buildings or public property during protests or disturbances. Citizens were urged to avoid illegal gatherings, violent activities and provocative actions.
The police said legal action would be taken against those disrupting public order, attacking security forces or buildings, or endangering the lives and property of citizens.
Special security arrangements would be made to protect police stations, government buildings, banks, petrol pumps, commercial centres and major roads.
The police also announced that video recordings of protests and related operations would be made to assist in subsequent legal proceedings.
Coordination with district administrations and other relevant institutions would be ensured to manage protest-related situations effectively.
The police urged citizens to remain peaceful, abide by the law and avoid being misled by elements seeking to incite violence.
