Pakistani rioters burnt 108 vehicles and properties worth Rs6b, claims Punjab interim CM

Tariq Butt / NNI News

Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi while delineating losses in protests Sunday said that 108 vehicles were gutted in the province.

“In Lahore, police vehicles, 12 buses, motorbikes, six Wasa vehicles, eight Rescue 1122 vehicles and a car in a showroom were set on fire,” Naqvi said. “Protesters damaged 23 buildings including Corps Commander’s house in Lahore,” he said.

The provincial chief minister said that military installations and government properties were attacked under a plan.

“Around 34 attackers were involved in attack on Jinnah House Lahore,” he added. The rioters and arsonists burnt safe city cameras on May 9 and two metro stations in Lahore, he said. “Each and every attacker is being pointed out and all will be brought to justice,” he said.

Black smokes billows from the building of the Radio Pakistan set ablaze by protesters. AFP

“Around Rs6 billion losses have been estimated in rioting incidents so far,” Naqvi said. “In Gujranwala an army checkpost and a private building was gutted, while in Multan buses and police coasters were burnt,” he said.

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Naqvi has said that the attack on Mianwali Airbase was not symbolic, rather it was carried out after a comprehensive planning.

The chief minister claimed that the whole footage of the airbase attack was in their possession. “The Mianwali airbase attack was not symbolic. It was orchestrated after a thorough planning,” Naqvi said, vowing to take this case to the logical conclusion and punish every attacker.

A Metrobus passes by a damaged station that was set on fire during clashes. Reuters

The interim CM said the attackers of the airbase were armed and they wanted to destroy all the aircraft parked at the base. The rioters also tried to torch the GPO office in Mianwali.

“There are pictures and video of each person, and everyone being followed,” Punjab interim CM said. “We won’t arrest a person wrongly despite any pressure,” he said. “Bringing attackers to justice will be our priority,” he said.

Policewomen arrest a PTI supporter in Karachi.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Yasmin Rashid was arrested hours after the Lahore High Court (LHC) set her free.

She was taken into custody two days back. Dr Rashid, who is not keeping a good health, was shifted to the Services Hospital from the Kot Lakhpat Jail as her condition deteriorated. She is undergoing treatment at the VIP Block C of the medical facility.