Some unidentified people burnt a camp set up by the families of missing persons. The camp, set up in front of the Parliament house to protest against the forced disappearance of a large number of people, was gutted on Saturday morning, police said.
However, no major loss was reported as the protesters managed to extinguish the fire. According to details, dozens of missing persons’ families were residing in the camp since the last several days, to press the authorities for the release of their family members. Many of the protesters had gone to offer Fajar prayers, when the camp was set on fire.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Defence of Human Rights Chairperson Amna Masood Janjua said, “The fire destroyed five blankets, four quilts and partially damaged the tents,” she said.
She added that the people who started the fire also sounded the alarm, alerting the people. The protesters then extinguished the fire and while the culprits managed to flee from the scene.
When asked who could be behind the incident, Amna Janjua said, “Those who are unhappy with us for putting up a protest camp are responsible. It was a warning against continuing with the protest.”
Later, Defence of Human Rights lodged an FIR with the Secretariat Police Station against unknown people. Secretariat SHO Inspector Hakim Khan said the police is investigating the matter.
It is relevant to note here that the Secretariat Police had arrested a retired army officer on Wednesday on the complaint of missing persons’ families. The officer, later, identified as Capt (Retd) Shuaibullah Cheema had allegedly impersonated as a representative of a sensitive intelligence agency.