Islamabad Police Seize KP Government Machinery and Personnel During PTI Protest

In a significant development, the Islamabad Police have taken into custody machinery, vehicles, and personnel belonging to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government. This action was taken during a protest organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Islamabad. The situation has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications of such actions on inter-provincial relations and emergency services.

According to a spokesperson for the Islamabad Police, the operation involved the seizure of various types of machinery and rescue vehicles that were reportedly brought in from KP to assist PTI workers during the protest. The spokesperson stated, "Islamabad was raided by machinery and personnel brought from KP, and they will be presented in court as evidence in the cases." This indicates that the police are treating the situation with utmost seriousness, viewing the machinery as part of the evidence in ongoing legal matters.

Reports indicate that a total of 17 rescue vehicles, including six ambulances, seven fire tenders, three water tenders, and a crane, were taken into custody. These vehicles were transported from various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bajaur, Dir, Swat, and Swabi. Additionally, 64 rescue personnel from KP, along with 24 police personnel and eight staff members from TMA Peshawar, were also arrested during the protest.

Dr. Ayaz, the Director General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue, expressed concern over the situation, stating that their team of lawyers is currently in Islamabad working to recover the seized machinery and personnel. He emphasized the potential consequences of this action, noting, "If there is an emergency in the province, severe problems may be faced due to the non-availability of machinery and staff." This highlights the critical role that these resources play in ensuring public safety and emergency response.

On the other hand, the Islamabad Police spokesperson reiterated that the machinery and personnel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had attacked Islamabad, and legal action is being pursued in this regard. The spokesperson confirmed that the seized machinery will be included in the legal cases and presented as evidence in court.

This incident raises important questions about the coordination between provincial governments during times of unrest. The ability of emergency services to operate effectively is crucial, especially in times of crisis. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the relationship between the federal capital and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the overall effectiveness of emergency response in the region.