KP police put on alert as emergency ‘looms’

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed issued an alert to district police on Saturday, anticipating potential violent protests and sabotage if the federal government declares an emergency in the province. The notification outlined measures to prevent violence and sabotage during demonstrations. It directed district police officers to monitor protests personally and ensure sufficient personnel, including anti-riot squads and unarmed personnel, were available to maintain order.

Police were instructed to identify vulnerable locations along protest routes and deploy personnel to protect them. District Police Officers (DPOs) could require protest organizers to obtain a license for assemblies or protests under Section 84 of the KP Police Act, 2017. If a protest violated conditions of a license, DPOs, Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), or Station House Officers (SHOs) could stop the procession and order it to disperse.

Police could issue directions to regulate protests and ensure public safety. In the event of violence, police could take legal action. Police were advised to use force only as a last resort, starting with the minimum essential level. During peaceful protests, police should exercise maximum restraint and avoid using force. A senior police officer should negotiate with protesters to persuade them to disperse peacefully.

If necessary, tear-gas shells, rubber-bullet guns, or paper-ball guns could be used from a safe distance to disperse protesters. Aerial firing could be conducted by special armed personnel or squads in extreme cases, with the approval of the senior-most officer present at the scene. Police were advised to record protests or processions, preferably through professional cameramen, and DPOs should ensure briefings, rehearsals, and reporting with coordination at all supervisory levels with key stakeholders.