- Punjab CM announces Rs 3 million each for families of those killed in police violence
- Punjab IG says police regrets incident, will launch internal probe into violence
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said he will resign if he were found responsible for the incident in which eight people, including five policemen and two women, were killed in a violent clash between supporters of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and police on Tuesday,.
“The deaths in Model Town are unfortunate. I have ordered the formation of a judicial commission to probe the incident,” Shahbaz Sharif told a press conference, adding that he will not rest until the commission ascertains who is responsible for the incident and that they will be punished according to the law.
He also offered condolences to PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri and the families of the victims over what he said are unfortunate deaths.
“I request the people of Punjab to maintain patience and tolerance, even though emotions are high,” he said, adding that that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had never engaged in politics of bullets or batons and any one was free to lodge an FIR against him.
The chief minister also announced Rs 3 million compensation for the families of each of the eight victims.
IGP Punjab vows ‘internal inquiry’ besides judicial
Speaking to media representatives, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Sukhera said that an internal probe would be launched besides judicial investigation into the incident.
“We won’t wait for the judicial probe,” he said, adding that he and all senior police officers would make themselves available for the investigation.
Expressing sorrow over the killing of people, Sukhera said that Punjab Police regret the incident.
“We are not protecting the role of Punjab Police in the incident … basic objective of the police is to protect lives and properties of the people.”
The Punjab Police chief remarked that the law enforcers resorted to act against those who opened fire and pelted stones at the police.
“Police resorted to only aerial firing in reaction to the resistance shown by the protesters,” he said.
“Punjab Police present itself for the judicial enquiry into the incident,” he added.
