Judicial inquiry of Rawalpindi clashes ordered: Sanaullah

RAWALPINDI: The government of Punjab has ordered a judicial inquiry into the inter-group clashes that left seven people dead and over 35 injured on Friday afternoon, Geo News reported Saturday.

Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, while talking exclusively to Geo News, told that the Punjab government has ordered judicial inquiry into the violent incident in Rawalpindi. He said that the perpetrators will be brought to justice under the anti terrorism act.

The minister further added that the dead bodies of the victims have been handed over to their relatives.

It is pertinent to mention that curfew was imposed in Rawalpindi after violent clashes between two groups left at least seven people dead and over 35 injured on Friday as worshippers massed to mourn the seventh century martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA).

The clashes erupted when a mourners’ procession was on its way through Fawara Chowk in the garrison city.

According to a Punjab government spokesperson, the curfew was slapped to bring the situation under control following the deadly clashes and the subsequent unrest, which is feared to spark off more untoward incidents to the peril of local residents.

The curfew, which was enforced at 12:00 AM, will remain imposed for 24 hours.

As the troops took control of the city some of roads in the garrison city were also blocked with shipping containers and mobile phone services were suspended as a security measure.

The district administration has warned the citizens to stay at homes as violation of curfew will not be tolerated. It further added that areas like Rawal Town, Potohar Town, and Cantonment were also under curfew.

Taking a notice of the incident, Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif had tasked the officials with a detailed report into the clashes.