LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Police say scores of people have been arrested on charges of arson, vandalism and violence during the protests that erupted after a Christian woman was acquitted of blasphemy charges by the Supreme Court last week.
Senior police officer Nayab Haider said Sunday that police were using video clips to identify others involved in assaults, torching property and vehicles, and blocking highways.
The interior ministry has started criminal proceedings against rioters involved in destroying property during the protests. Police has registered cases against 19 rioters and have taken into custody two people from Karachi’s Korangi. In the federal capital, police arrested 11 suspects involved in inciting to violence and damaging the public property.
The ministry on Sunday released initial pictures of the miscreants involved in vandalising property and harming common citizens during the demonstrations. The ministry also appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the police and the Federal Investigation Agency in identifying the rioters. “We will release more pictures of those involved in rioting and destroying public property in the coming days,” a statement from the interior ministry read.
“The interior ministry has received pictures from the special branch and other sources. We have asked the police and the FIA for their cooperation in identifying the perpetrators,” it added.
The ministry has formed a special cell to collect videos of miscreants involved in damaging of property and harassing citizens. The public has also been asked to share any related videos with government on WhatsApp at the number 03315480011. Names of those sharing videos will be kept confidential.
The top court acquitted Asia Bibi last week in a move that infuriated the religious parties, who held three days of nationwide protests demanding her execution. The protests ended after the government agreed to impose a travel ban on Bibi and to allow her case to be reviewed.
Published in Daily Times, November 5th 2018.