Summary
- The Inspector General (IG) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has issued guidelines to district police officers to prepare for possible protests and demonstrations across the province amid rising political tensions.
- Under the instructions police officials have been directed to complete operational and security arrangements in advance to respond to potential public gatherings and maintain law and order.
- The preparations highlight the provincial police leadership’s focus on operational readiness protection of sensitive locations and coordination with civil authorities in the event of demonstrations.
Under the instructions police officials have been directed to complete operational and security arrangements in advance to respond to potential public gatherings and maintain law and order.
According to the guidelines authorities have been advised to remain alert to the possibility of damage to public and private property during demonstrations. District Police Officers (DPOs) have been instructed to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and keep specialised units ready for potential disturbances.
The instructions call for the deployment of anti-riot squads special teams and plainclothes personnel to help manage demonstrations and monitor developing situations.
Police have also been directed to strengthen security around sensitive locations including public buildings police stations petrol pumps and banks. The measures are intended to protect property and reduce the risk of damage during any unrest.
The guidelines further emphasise coordination between district administrations and other law enforcement agencies. Officials have been told to maintain effective communication so that authorities can respond promptly if the situation escalates.
According to the instructions authorities should first attempt to resolve disputes involving protests or unlawful gatherings through negotiations.
If dialogue fails to resolve the situation the guidelines outline a sequence of crowd-control measures. These include deploying anti-riot squads first followed by aerial firing and the use of rubber bullets as specified in the reported instructions.
The document also calls for comprehensive video recording and monitoring of protesters to help authorities track developments during demonstrations.
The emphasis on negotiation before further enforcement measures indicates that officials have been instructed to seek a peaceful resolution where possible while maintaining readiness for potential security challenges.
The guidelines come as political debate continues over the possibility of emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Opposition to a potential emergency and discussions about the province’s political situation have kept law-and-order preparations in the spotlight.
Although the police have issued precautionary instructions, the report does not confirm that a specific protest has been scheduled or that unrest has already occurred.
The preparations highlight the provincial police leadership’s focus on operational readiness protection of sensitive locations and coordination with civil authorities in the event of demonstrations.
