Shahbaz orders enquiry into Faisalabad firing

Directs police to ‘immediately arrest’ persons responsible for killing citizen 

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken immediate notice of the incidents of hooliganism and firing near Novelty Bridge in Faisalabad on Monday and sought a report from the regional police officer (RPO), besides ordering an enquiry and arrest of those involved in the firing.

Expressing deep grief over the loss of “a precious human life” in Faisalabad, Shahbaz said, “The police have been ordered to address the person responsible without any delay,” adding that legal action would be taken against the person responsible.

The CM opined that situation in Faisalabad was a result of “provocative statements and appeals of ransacking by some political leaders”.

Earlier, media reported that a PTI worker was killed during clashes between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PTI workers during PTI’s shutdown of Faisalabad as part of the party’s ‘Plan C’ to protest against alleged rigging in General Elections 2013

The CM appealed to PML-N workers to remain peaceful and show patience.

“Peaceful protest is the constitutional and legal right of every citizen but no one can be allowed to create chaos in the garb of a protest,” he said, adding that those taking the law into their hands will be dealt with sternly.

The government will efficiently discharge its responsibility of protection of life and property of the people, he said. The CM directed the authorities concerned to adopt all possible steps for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in Faisalabad.

“The police and administration should take necessary steps for the protection of life and property of the people as maintenance of public peace is the foremost responsibility of the government,” said the CM.