Constable killed during raid at PTI leader’s home in Model Town

LAHORE:
Constable Kamal Ahmad was killed during a raid by a police team at a residence in Model Town C-Block, to arrest a local Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.

On late Monday night, the constable was shot dead when a bullet fired from a rooftop hit him, according to reports by a department official residing in the locality.

Police have currently taken two people into custody.

Read Cop martyred, four injured in Charsadda, Bajaur blasts

The deceased officer had served 15 years on the police force and leaves behind three sons and two daughters.

Sanaullah accuses PTI leaders of conspiring

Interior minister Rana Sanaullah Khan took notice of the incident and stated that the incident was “proof that Imran Khan is a terrorist. Kamal Ahmed’s killers are Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid and his followers.”

In a statement, the minister accused PTI leaders of conspiring toward a “bloody march” and inciting civil war, claiming that the ousted government will be held accountable for their ‘crimes’.

“The firing on the police has proved that this is not a political activity, it is proof that they do not want a peaceful march,” Sanaullah added.

The minister vehemently stated that the constable’s killers would be brought to justice. “We will prevent civil war, chaos and disorder in the country through law,” he furthered, claiming that the “abusers” had taken the law into their hands.

Read More: PTI marchers to descend on capital on May 25

Sanaullah expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of Kamal Ahmed. “The government will take responsibility for the welfare of the family of the martyred officer and the education of the children,” he said.

Moreover, the interior minister said that the martyrs’ package will be provided to the deceased constable’s family.

Sana and Hamza Shahbaz responsible for raids, death of the constable: Fawad Chaudhry

PTI leader and former minister for information and broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, in response to accusations, stated that interior minister Rana Sanaullah and Chief Minister of Punjab Hamza Shehbaz were responsible for the demise of constable Kamal Ahmed.

Fawad stated that the incumbent government was responsible for the raids which resulted in the unfortunate death.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Fawad Chaudhry responded to Marayam Nawaz and said that the “murder trial will be another addition to your family’s crimes. Using the police for illegal raids and for political purposes is a crime.”
He added that, “1100 houses were raided in Punjab last night. The police entered homes without a warrant and harassed women and children. More than 400 PTI workers, including women were detained. Ex-servicemen and retired civil service officers were also targeted by the police.”

The former minister added that according to reports, the police forcibly entered the home of a retired Army major at midnight and opened fire, which resulted in the death of constable Kamal Ahmed.

Accusing CM Hamza Shehbaz and interior minister Rana Sanaullah, Fawad stated that the people of Punjab must “stand firm” against the government.

“The spirit of the Punjabis is rejuvenated by the water from the five rivers. Cowards think that Punjabis will be scared of guns, this mistake will pay a heavy price,” the PTI leader warned.

Police raid PTI leaders’ homes

Two days after the arrest and subsequent release of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, in a domino effect police raided a number of PTI leaders’ homes at midnight on Tuesday.

The police raided former finance minister Hammad Azhar’s home in Lahore in an apparent attempt to arrest him. Recounting the raid, the PTI leader’s mother described how the loud havoc scared her as the police force stormed into her house.

Azhar’s guard also explained how the law enforcers allegedly attacked him and insulted his father, a martyred soldier.

PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid also filmed the raid from outside Azhar’s residence.