The Prime Minister wants rioters participating in the May 9 violence detained within 72 hours.

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the Punjab government on Saturday to arrest vandals and anyone engaged in arson attacks within 72 hours after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan.

The premier, who presided over the meeting at the Punjab Safe City Authority headquarters in Lahore, described it as a “critical task that requires swift action to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.”

“I am setting a target for all responsible culprits, planners, instigators, and attackers to be apprehended within the next 72 hours,” declared the premier.

Imran’s detention on the grounds of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9 sparked riots in numerous locations throughout the nation, with party workers and supporters clashing with police.

In an unprecedented act of vandalism, PTI supporters assaulted and damaged the historic Corps’ Commander’s House in Lahore — previously known as Jinnah House and once serving as the abode of the nation’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The prime minister said at today’s meeting that the “law will take action against those who have made plans and attacked the police.”

“The law will take action against them so that an exemplary precedent is set, demonstrating that those who act against the cherished homeland and the institutions that constantly risk their lives to defeat enemies will face consequences,” he continued.

I have set law enforcement a 72-hour deadline to arrest all individuals engaged in enabling, abetting, and committing the heinous crimes of arson, ransacking, sabotage, and property damage. Every possible resource, including technical assistance…

Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) is a Pakistani politician. May 13, 2023 PM Shehbaz went on to say that any effort to undermine our nation’s peace and stability is “absolutely unacceptable,” and that this is a pivotal period that requires our unshakable devotion.

“We must act swiftly and decisively.” “It is an emergency, and failure is not an option,” he said.

According to the prime, the perpetrators will be captured and proceedings made against them in Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) in compliance with the law and the Constitution.

Read more Imran alleges he was ‘struck on the head’ during his detention on May 9th.

“I have requested an increase in the number of ATCs to ensure that proceedings proceed quickly and efficiently.” We are resolved to take all necessary steps, including holding sessions at night, to guarantee that justice is delivered and the rule of law is upheld.”

PM Shehbaz went on to say that the ATCs should start working right now.

“It is critical that we set an example that no terrorist or enemy will dare to cast a negative light on Pakistan’s institutions until the day of judgement,” he remarked.

The prime minister further said that he has asked interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to ensure that those responsible for the violence be apprehended and punished.

Earlier in the day, the Punjab government agreed to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to look into rioting and vandalism in the province after the detention of PTI chairman Imran Khan.