Punjab caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that over 500 women are currently being sought by the police in around 138 cases related to the May 9 violence. In a statement, Naqvi emphasised that male officers have been instructed not to arrest women, but he emphasised the need to apprehend those responsible for vandalising army installations at any cost. He called upon the authorities to ensure the arrest of women with the assistance of lady constables.

On the other hand the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for the government to uphold human rights while prosecuting the “more than 4,000 people” arrested in the wake of violent protests that followed former premier Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9. In a statement, HRW associate Asia director Patricia Gossman has said, “The Pakistani authorities should end their arbitrary arrests of political opposition activists and peaceful protesters.”

Highlighting concerns about further violence between the police and PTI supporters, the HRW has said: “In dispersing violent assemblies, firearms may only be used when using less harmful means are not practicable, and only to the minimum extent necessary.” It has mentioned the United Nation’s Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to call on the government to “display restraint and respect for human rights and the rule of law”.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP