KP police put on alert for possible violent protests

Peshawar: In anticipation of potential violent protests and sabotage following a federal emergency declaration, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Inspector General of Police, Zulfiqar Hameed, has issued guidelines for district police. The directive emphasizes the need for caution when using force during such events. A detailed notification outlines the necessary measures to be taken by district police officers (DPOs), sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs), and station house officers (SHOs) to ensure public safety during protests.

District police are instructed to deploy sufficient personnel, including anti-riot squads and special unarmed squads, to monitor protests and apprehend troublemakers. District police must ensure that enough personnel are available to SDPOs and SHOs to maintain order during protests. Law enforcement should also identify and deploy personnel at key locations to protect them from sabotage.

District police can require protest organizers to obtain a license for assemblies or protests under the KP Police Act, 2017, if they deem a breach of peace likely. Police officers may stop a procession that violates the conditions of a license granted under Section 84 of the KP Police Act, 2017, and order it to disperse. Police can issue orders to regulate protests and ensure public safety, including temporarily closing or regulating streets or public places to prevent people or vehicles from entering an area for security reasons.

During peaceful protests, police should exercise maximum restraint and avoid using force. Senior-most police officers should negotiate with protesters to persuade them to disperse peacefully. Police should only use the minimum necessary force to disperse an unlawful assembly, starting at the least essential level and escalating only as needed.

In extreme cases of violence, aerial firing may be conducted by special armed personnel, but only with the senior-most officer's approval. Police should arrange video recordings of protests and maintain briefings and rehearsals in accordance with OG-9/2013. Prior consultation and coordination with key stakeholders, including the district administration and law enforcement agencies, should be carried out at all supervisory levels.