Islamabad police chief claims 900 arrests, impounding 200 vehicles during PTI showdown

Islamabad: The Islamabad police have arrested 900 protesters of the PTI and impounded 200 vehicles, said the Islamabad police chief.

In a joint press conference with Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, IG Ali Nasir Rizvi emphasised that while everyone has the right to protest, acts of terrorism disguised as protests will not be tolerated.

The IG revealed that law enforcement personnel were directly fired upon during the protests. "Damaging property and committing acts of terrorism cannot be considered a peaceful protest, and those involved will be referred to as terrorists, not protesters."

The IG further stated that firearms were used during these violent protests, and attacks were carried out on police and Rangers. He reiterated the distinction between legitimate protest and terrorism, making it clear that terrorist activities under the guise of protest would not be allowed.

Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that no foreign elements would be allowed to disrupt the peace in Islamabad. Among the detained protesters were Afghan nationals. He praised law enforcement agencies for their role in restoring the writ of the state and stressed that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

The commissioner also mentioned that normalcy has been restored in Islamabad, with all routes clear and activities continuing as usual.

Randhawa highlighted that despite the Islamabad High Court (IHC) permitting a sit-in at Sangjani, miscreants insisted on entering the Blue Area and the Red Zone, causing damage to Islamabad’s beauty and green belts.