Lahore:Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Kareem has warned that anyone violating the law on September 27 will be dealt with strictly, saying no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Speaking to the media after attending a case proceeding at the Lahore High Court on Thursday, the IGP said, ‘There is a law and a legal system in place, and whoever violates the law will be dealt with with an iron hand.’ He added that all activities would have to be conducted strictly in accordance with the law.
Responding to a question about peaceful protests, Rao Abdul Kareem said those wishing to hold a public gathering or protest would have to obtain formal permission from the deputy commissioner. He said rules and regulations were in place for this purpose, while the deputy commissioner or the relevant legal branch could provide details of the procedure.
The IGP said no application seeking permission for such a gathering had so far come to his notice.
Asked whether police would allow a prot
est if permission was granted, he said the situation had not yet arisen and the organisers should first submit the required documents. ‘Once permission is granted, we will also be bound to act according to the law,’ he said.
Regarding the enforcement of Section 144 , Rao Abdul Kareem said there would be no discrimination whatsoever. He said Section 144 had been imposed recently by the Home Department and would be strictly enforced.
Responding to a question that police were conducting raids at people’s homes, the IGP rejected the claim and said the police had an effective internal accountability mechanism.
He said anyone who believed they had been treated unfairly could submit an application to the police, which would conduct an inquiry and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.