ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the police authorities to fix responsibility of criminal negligence by carrying out fair and neutral investigation into the Rawalpindi incident.
The premier gave these directions while chairing a high-level meeting on law and order in Islamabad this evening.
Taking strong exception to the role of Police in the Rawalpindi incident‚ the Prime Minister said Police should have taken preemptive action to forestall the incident.
During the meeting‚ Inspector General of Punjab Police Khan Baig gave a detailed briefing over the incident.
While admitting failure of local Police authorities‚ the Inspector General of Police briefed the meeting that the Rawalpindi incident resulted into 11 causalities and injuries to 56 people. He told the meeting that all deaths resulted due to fire arms and refuted claims from some quarters about missing persons in the tragic incident.
The Inspector General informed the meeting that nine perpetrators involved in this incident have been apprehended after their identification with the aid of video footage obtained from media organizations.
The Prime Minister expressed extreme displeasure over the criminal inaction and laxity of the police authorities. “Law-enforcement authorities must not show any laxity in dealing with such incidents. Speech inciting hatred‚ stone pelting and firing are unacceptable crimes”.
He directed that criminal silence on the part of administration and police on the propagation of sectarian hatred through loud speakers and wall chalking would not be tolerated. He directed to take strict action against those who have no regards for law and order.
While taking note of the negative role played by the social media during the tragic incident‚ the Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to present draft Cyber Law within days.
