The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police force and several provincial departments find themselves in a difficult situation as the KP government, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has launched protests against the federal government. The situation has intensified with many policemen and officials from various departments being detained by Islamabad and Punjab police in the past few days.
According to reports, 11 policemen and 41 employees of Rescue 1122 have been arrested by Punjab police for participating in the protest rally led by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Furthermore, 22 vehicles, including ambulances, fire trucks, and other official vehicles from the Rescue 1122, Peshawar Development Authority, and Local Government, have been impounded.
Rescue 1122 personnel, who were providing emergency services on directives from the provincial government, were among those detained. Families of these arrested personnel have announced plans to protest outside the Rescue 1122 headquarters if their loved ones are not released by Monday.
The PTI leadership had ordered various departments to provide ambulances and other vehicles to remove blockades and ensure smooth passage for protesters heading towards Islamabad. Many policemen were also assigned to provide security for the chief minister and other cabinet members during the protest march. However, a number of these policemen were arrested while performing their duties.
The situation has left the KP police force, particularly those assigned to protect the chief minister and cabinet members, in a difficult position. An official explained that providing security for the chief executive of the province is mandatory, regardless of the location, whether within KP or outside the province.
The KP police are already on high alert due to frequent attacks on personnel and establishments, especially in southern districts. Over the last nine months, more than 100 policemen have been martyred in over 228 attacks across the province. The latest developments add to the challenges faced by the KP police, as they try to balance their duty to maintain law and order with the political situation.
