954 PTI protesters held, 200 vehicles & 39 weapons seized in last three days: IG Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi announced that 954 protesters have been arrested over the past three days, with 610 taken into custody just yesterday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner, the IGP revealed that authorities seized over 200 vehicles and 39 weapons, including Kalashnikovs, 12-bore guns, and other firearms, during protests linked to PTI.

“We have video evidence showing armed protesters advancing while wearing masks,” the IGP stated. He also shared that out of the 71 individuals injured, 52 were law enforcement personnel. “Protesters used large fans to redirect tear gas back towards our forces,” he explained, highlighting the challenges faced by security teams.

The IGP emphasized the serious nature of the situation by detailing the large number of weapons recovered and reiterated a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. “We will not allow any acts of terrorism under any circumstances,” he affirmed.

The Chief Commissioner added that no one would be allowed to challenge the authority of the state or take the law into their own hands. He commended law enforcement agencies for managing the situation in the federal capital and announced plans to verify the data of Afghan nationals, allowing only those with valid NOCs to reside in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for calm and restraint from all parties involved.

His spokesperson issued a statement expressing concern over the violence during opposition protests in Pakistan, urging all sides to de-escalate tensions. The UN is closely monitoring the situation, including reports of ongoing demonstrations and the deployment of military forces.

Media reports indicate that five security personnel have lost their lives during the protests, which erupted on Sunday.