Mian Mehmood ur Rashid protest to IGP for political victimization

Lahore: The Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Mian Mehmood ur Rashid  has written a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Punjab to  protest against the  political victimization of the workers of the political parties, particularly the workers of  Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf.

The following is the text of the letter.

“With reference to the above subject, I would like to draw your kind attention that over the past few months and especially after the declaration by Pakistan Tehrik Insaf to take out a peaceful Azadi March on the occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan, its political workers are being brutally victimized by the Punjab Police across the Punjab.They were being arrested and kept in unlawful custody without lodging FIRs.

The Lahore High Court has already taken note of this fact and has asked Punjab Police to provide details of the arrested workers. Despite, the notice of the Lahore High Court the police action against Pakistan Tehrik and other political parties is continuing.

The stories of unlawful police action are published  in national newspapers and shown on T.V Channels almost on daily basis.I am sure you  being the Provincial Chief of the Police are well aware of your lawful authority in accordance with Article 4 (1) (a) and (b) of the Police Order 2002 which states that “ Subject to law, it shall be the duty of every police officer to (a) protect life, property and liberty of the citizen; (b) preserve and promote public peace; (g) regulate and control traffic on public roads and streets.”.

The Code of  Conduct issued by the Provincial Police Officer under Article 114 elaborates the intention of Article 4(1). However, without fear of contradiction,  it may be stated that the Punjab Police is going beyond its legal  and moral authority to deal with the public in general and the political workers in particular.I would request you to direct the personnel of Punjab  Police to conduct itself in a neutral manner and in accordance with Articles 15 and 16 f the Constitution of Pakistan which guarantee every citizen the right to freedom of movement and right to assembly peacefully”