Dr. Usman Anwar, Punjab’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), asserted that in the wake of the recent incident in Bahawalnagar, concerted efforts were made on social media to depict a conflict between institutions, a claim he vehemently opposed.
Addressing the alleged stand-off between policemen and army personnel three days prior, the police chief released a video message elucidating the circumstances surrounding the event. Dr. Anwar underscored the swift and joint action taken by both institutions involved. “A banned organization is attempting to sow seeds of conflict between institutions,” he emphasized, attributing the incident primarily to the disregard of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
He stressed the imperative of a comprehensive joint investigation to ensure compliance with all legal requisites. “All legal protocols will be adhered to during the joint inquiry,” he added.
Moreover, Dr. Anwar condemned the dissemination of out-of-context videos from previous incidents, purportedly aimed at exacerbating tensions and fabricating a narrative of institutional discord. He reiterated that both institutions had expeditiously and amicably resolved the issue.
He also noted the chants of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’, ‘Pakistan Army Zindabad’, and ‘Punjab Police Zindabad’, echoing sentiments of national pride and unity.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the regrettable incident was promptly addressed and resolved through collaborative efforts of military and police authorities. Nevertheless, certain factions with ulterior motives began spreading inflammatory propaganda on social media to sow divisions between state institutions and government departments.
In order to ensure a fair and meticulous inquiry and to ascertain responsibility for any breaches of laws and misuse of authority, a joint inquiry comprising security and police officials will be conducted to establish facts and assign accountability.
