PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Central Police Office (CPO) has initiated an inquiry into tear gas usage after reports surfaced about its deployment during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad.
Law enforcement arrested nearly 1,000 PTI supporters this week. These arrests followed a demonstration led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s supporters who stormed Islamabad to demand his release.
Islamabad police chief Ali Nasir Rizvi revealed that weapons, including automatic rifles and tear gas guns, were seized at the protest site. Thousands of demonstrators had gathered at the location, creating a volatile situation.
The Peshawar CPO has issued directives to all deputy inspector generals and unit heads. A letter was sent asking for details of tear gas stock available and its usage over the past week.
The CPO referenced a previous directive, issued on November 21, instructing police personnel to remain neutral during political unrest. The reported tear gas use during the Islamabad protest has raised suspicions.
A team from the AIG/Logistics office will conduct a physical verification of tear gas stock across various units and regions. The CPO stated that the data will be cross-checked with monthly reports submitted by the units.
The letter highlighted concerns over media reports suggesting that tear gas might have been used by the protestors themselves during the Islamabad demonstration. Authorities aim to verify the accuracy of these claims through this stock audit.
