PML-N accuses Gujrat police of political victimisation after rally FIR

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that the government will not allow anyone to undermine peace and public order, while reaffirming that citizens have the right to hold peaceful protests within the limits of the law. Speaking during a visit to the Frontier Corps (FC) Training Center in Shabqadar, Naqvi said peaceful demonstrations were a legitimate democratic right and would not be opposed as long as they remained lawful. However, he stressed that protests could not be used as a pretext for violence, vandalism or activities that threaten public safety and disrupt law and order. During the visit, the minister reviewed the training standards and operational preparedness of FC personnel stationed at the facility. He also received briefings on the security situation and challenges facing the region, along with measures being taken to protect citizens and maintain stability. Naqvi praised the Frontier Corps for its contribution to maintaining peace and security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and acknowledged the role of its personnel in dealing with security challenges. The Interior Minister reiterated that maintaining peace and protecting public safety remained a priority, adding that lawful political and public activity would be respected while any attempt to disturb the peace would be dealt with according to the law.

ISLAMABAD: A unusual development emerged during the hearing of cases related to a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad after police presented a man who has no arms in court on allegations of throwing stones and wielding sticks during the demonstration. The case relates to a protest held on August 5 in connection with supporters expressing solidarity with PTI founder Imran Khan. Several people arrested in connection with the protest were produced before the District and Sessions Courts in Islamabad. Among those presented was Altaf Ullah, who had been arrested by police and booked at Koral Police Station. Authorities accused him of involvement in acts including stone-pelting during the protest. However, the case took an unusual turn when the accused’s lawyer, Sardar Masroor, challenged the allegations before Duty Magistrate Rizwan-ud-Din. The lawyer argued that his client could not have carried out the alleged acts because he has no arms. He asked the court to consider the physical condition of the accused before proceeding with the case. The court examined the accused in the courtroom and confirmed that both of his arms were absent. Following the observation, the court discharged Altaf Ullah from the case. He was therefore released from the proceedings related to the allegations brought against him. The incident has drawn attention because of the apparent contradiction between the allegations in the police case and the physical condition of the accused. The case highlights the importance of verifying allegations and considering available evidence during legal proceedings. While police had accused the man of involvement in stone-pelting and wielding sticks, the court’s examination of his physical condition led to his discharge. The development came during hearings involving people arrested over the August 5 PTI-related protest in Islamabad. Authorities had registered cases against individuals accused of various activities during the demonstration. The court’s decision in Altaf Ullah’s case means that he has been discharged from the particular case presented before the magistrate. The PTI protest man without both arms arrested case has since attracted attention because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the arrest and subsequent court proceedings. Further proceedings in other cases related to the protest are expected to continue separately.