Punjab IGP bars police officials from participating in PTI's long march

Punjab Inspector General Police (IGP) on Saturday issued instructions to all officers against participating in the long march being held by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

A letter, issued to all officers, stated that as per the directions of the federal government, all government employees have categorically been prohibited from becoming participants in the protest.

The instructions stated that no Punjab police officials will be permitted to enter Islamabad except on official duty during the 'Haqeeqi Azadi March' and that they were restricted from becoming participants in the protest and sit-in.

“No policeman shall trespass within his jurisdiction and policemen shall be confined to their duty as per law,” stated the directives.

Strict action will be taken against those who violate the directive. The officers and personnel should uphold the sanctity of uniform during long march duty, it added. It further stated that no subordinate officers and officials will even shout slogans while police vehicles will also not be used for long march participants or any procession.

Police vehicles and equipment will be used only for the security of the Long March participants, the directive added.

The letter further reads as “Taking photographs in uniform and posting them on social media sites for public view is prohibited and departmental action will be initiated against the violators”.

It is reiterated to perform official duties keeping in mind the dignity of police uniform and the sacred principles of the police force.

IG Punjab issued the letter across the province including CCPO Lahore.

Pertinent to note that the PTI's march Saturday approached Rawat, Gujar Khan’s district as it inched closer to Rawalpindi.

PTI chairman also announced to touchdown of Rawalpindi on November 26.  

Meanwhile, the schedule for PTI's march to enter the most sensitive areas of Rawalpindi has been finalized according to which the participants of the long march will enter the garrison city from T-Chowk Rawat instead of the Islamabad Expressway, under the leadership of the party chairman Imran Khan.

On the other hand, the federal government on Monday extended the Red Zone till Zero Point in Islamabad. Faisal Avenue, Margalla Road, Bari Imam, and Fifth Avenue have also been declared part of the no-protest area.

Reporter: Ali Sahi