LAHORE: A police constable was killed during a raid at a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker’s residence in Model Town area of Lahore.
According to DIG Operations Sohail Chaudhry, police conducted a raid at the residence of PTI worker Sajid Hussain during which the police came under fire from the roof of the house.
As a result, Police constable Kamal Ahmed was hit by a bullet during the raid and was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Police said action will be taken against those who took the law into their hands. Chaudhry also informed that police are in search to arrest the culprit behind the incident.
Punjab police have launched a crackdown against PTI leaders and workers ahead of the party’s long march during which dozens of activists were taken into custody.
Interior Minister condemns
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah condemned the killing, terming it “proof that Imran Khan is a terrorist”.
“Kamal Ahmad’s killers are Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid and their followers,” he claimed and vowed to hold the planners of the “bloody march” accountable.
He alleged the firing incident proves that the PTI does not want a peaceful march. “Those who abused have now started shooting. They took the law into their own hands, now the law will make them answerable.”
The interior minister also claimed that Imran wanted to start a civil war in the guise of the long march. “We will prevent civil war, chaos and disorder in the country through the law,” he stressed.
Sanaullah offered his condolences to the constable’s family and said his family would be given compensation under the Shuhada package.
وزیر داخلہ رانا ثناءاللہ خاں کا بیان
بے گناہ پولیس اہلکار کمال احمد کے سینے میں لگی گولی ثبوت ہے کہ عمران خان دہشت گرد ہے
کمال احمد کا قاتل عمران خان، شیخ رشید اور اس کے حواری ہیں
’خونی مارچ ہوگا‘ کے اعلانانات کرنے والوں سے حساب لیں گے pic.twitter.com/CKPotjWtvx
— PML(N) (@pmln_org) May 24, 2022
Hamza seeks report
Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz also paid tribute to constable Ahmad and offered his condolences to his family.
He directed the Punjab inspector general of police to submit a report on the incident and arrest those responsible for it soon.
Hamza has also summoned a meeting to review the law and order situation in the province and further steps to maintain peace.
Meanwhile, former information minister and PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry claimed that police officials had “misbehaved” with women and children and “tortured” people.
Over 450 workers, including women, were taken into custody, he claimed. Fawad said the police had conducted raids on 1,100 homes last night and entered people’s houses without any warrants.
‘Redline has been crossed’
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said a “red line has been crossed” as she referred to the policeman’s killing.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his unequivocal intention to ensure the protection of the economy and the people.
“It is time to draw a red line to save Pakistan’s economy and people,” she added. “We have drawn a ‘red line’ … and will not allow anyone to cross it.”
