ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed lauded the law enforcement agencies for clearing the roads blocked due to protest of a religious party across the country.
The minister was chairing a meeting in Islamabad to review the law and order due to protest by the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) who have blocked roads and staged sit-ins across various parts of the country.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri, while IG Punjab Inam Ghani and Commissioner Rawalpindi attended via video link.
Sheikh Rasheed said the government will deal with an iron fist with those who take the law into their own hands. He directed the law enforcement agencies to ensure writ of the state at every cost.
The minister said motorways, G.T Road and other roads have been cleared for traffic. He lauded the role of the Rangers and police and the local administration.
The federal cabinet on Tuesday had decided to deploy Pakistan Rangers in all major cities of the country during the holy month of Ramazan to maintain law and order and resolved that the present government would not succumb to any pressure of the TLP.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said that all roads in the capital, including exit and entry points, were clear for traffic. A heavy police contingent was also deployed in Bhara Kahu and Faizabad while all roads leading to the French embassy were blocked.
In Lahore, roads were opened for traffic from Thokar Niaz Baig, Shahdara Chowk, Khayaban Chowk, Shahkam Chowk, Mul Pulli, Barki and Aryan Pind. In Jhelum, police cleared GT Dina Road after and arrested TLP workers after conducting a joint operation
In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar expressed satisfaction over the restoration of law and order in the province. He said most of the roads in the province have been reopened while police, administration and law enforcement agencies are performing their duties. He stated that the government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against those violating the law.
Karachi Traffic Police said that Hub River Road and the Northern Bypass had been opened for traffic and the protest had finished. More than a hundred party activists have been arrested for rioting, attacking police vehicles and damaging vehicles.
