State to not allow any group to hold entire country hostage: Punjab govt spokesman, IGP

Lahore: Lahore: The state under no circumstances would allow any group to hold the entire country hostage or to take the law in its own hands, said two top officials of the Punjab government on Wednesday.

The resolve came from Special Assistant to Chief Minister and spokesperson of Punjab government Hasaan Khawar and Inspector General of Punjab police Rao Sardar Ali Khan who addressed press conference following casualties and injuries of policemen during clash between the Tehreek Labaik Pakistan (TLP) activists and law-enforcement agencies. 

Khawar emphasized on the fact that the banned outfit had challenged the writ of the State and made the policemen target of their violence.

These violent protests by the proscribed organization had resulted in loss of life and massive damage to public and private property, he told media.

IGP Sardar said two policemen lost their lives two days ago in the protests by the same proscribed organization.

"Today the protesters fired straight bullets at police officials. About 309 policemen sustained injuries while four embraced martyrdom today."

"Our love and respect for the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH is shared by all Muslims and Pakistanis and no group can claim this exclusively to itself," the IGP said.

Accoridng to the IG, the law-enforcement officials also share the same values. Islam is a religion of peace and that’s what was taught to us by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He (Prophet SAW) even taught us to remove stones and obstacles from the way for others. Islam doesn’t teach us violence against the state.

Khawar and Sardar made it clear that the state wouldn't allow any group to sabotage peace in the society and the government’s foremost priority is to maintain peace, law and order and to protect the life and property of the citizens at all costs.