Govt calls in army to control law and order situation in Punjab

As protests against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan's arrest entered the second day, the federal government requisitioned army troops to maintain law and order in Punjab. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the army troops' deployment has been requested under Article 245 of the Constitution and Section 4(3)(ii) of Anti Terrorism Act 1997. "The exact number of troops or assets, date and area of deployment will be worked out by the provincial government in consultation with" the military officials, the orders stated. "The date of de-requisitioning of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation among the stakeholders," it added. Ex-PM Imran was arrested by the Rangers paramilitary force at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday. Despite protests erupting across the country condemning the arrest, the government has backed the development maintaining it was in accordance with law. Meanwhile, the IHC on Tuesday declared that Imran Khan’s arrest from the court's premises was carried out legally. Written orders have been issued by the IHC in this regard. In 2019, then prime minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone of the Al-Qadir University for Sufism in Sohawa, Jhelum district. He was, however, later accused of looting Rs50 billion of the national treasury, along with a property tycoon, and getting the Trust registered on 450-kanal. Notably, the PTI chief's arrest also came a day after the military warned him against making “baseless allegations” after he again accused a senior officer of plotting to kill him. The rebuke late Monday underscored how far the PTI chief's relations have deteriorated with the military, which backed his rise to power in 2018 but withdrew its support ahead of a parliamentary vote of no confidence that ousted him last year. Read Power struggle: Another ex-PM joins ‘illustrious’ arrest list Widespread protests erupted across the country since the arrest yesterday and roadblocks across cities have increased the difficulties being faced by citizens. پوری قوم کا فوری مطالبہ !!#ReleaseImranKhan pic.twitter.com/By4jte1OvV — PTI (@PTIofficial) May 9, 2023 K-P protests Strict security measures were seen in place in Peshawar and other districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Khyber Road was partially blocked at Soray Pull (bridge) and Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Stadium with the help of large containers. All roads leading to the Corps Commander House, Assembly and sensitive areas are closed to traffic. Colleges across the province have been closed until May 14 while all government and private schools have been closed until May 13. Peshawar protest. Come out and join them for your country. #ReleaseImranKhan pic.twitter.com/k699Edc6YR — PTI (@PTIofficial) May 10, 2023 In K-P, matric exams for 9th and 10th grade have also been postponed. Protestors also closed down markets in Peshawar and other parts of K-P. Meanwhile, the local administration has warned of strict action against vandalism and arson and anyone who damages public and private property. Amid uncertainty in the provincial capital, multiple petrol and CNG stations were also seen closed today. Radio Pakistan has prepared a report on the burning of the Chagai Monument and the vandalism of Mufti Mehmood Flyover. The temporarily suspended BRT service has been restored, while the number of commuters remained relatively low today. Traffic blocked in Islamabad Diversions and roadblocks were also seen in place in the federal capital. Islamabad Police Traffic Alert ! 10 May 2023 @ 1:30 PM ............... *Srinagar Highway* Traffic congestion observed for both sides of traffic from G-10 Signal to Islamabad Chowk of Srinagar Highway. Keep margin time of 15 to 20 minutes or use Margallah Road in case of… — Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) May 10, 2023 According to Islamabad police, Srinagar Highway has been completely blocked for traffic with diversions placed for both sides of traffic from Islamabad Chowk to G-9 Signal of Srinagar Highway. Scattered clashes between PTI supporters and Islamabad police have also been reported. Crackdown in Karachi Meanwhile, the PTI's protest venue in Sindh's capital, Karachi, has been changed from Sharae Faisal to Millenium Mall. Insaf House on Sharae Faisal has been sealed by authorities. Raids were conducted to arrest PTI's Khurram Sher Zaman in Karachi and other leaders, however they were not found at their residences. On the other hand, PTI Sindh President Ali Zaidi's location remains unknown. Notably, Zaidi, besides many party workers, was arrested yesterday evening. Zaidi's car was intercepted by police near the CSD signal before Kala Pull. He was put in a white double-cabin SUV and taken to an unknown location. The party appears to be facing difficulties in mobilising crowds in Karachi due to communication services disruption.   Additional reporting by Sameer Mandhro.

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