KP Police Alert for Possible Emergency
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Inspector General of Police, Zulfiqar Hameed, has placed district forces on high alert after the federal government signaled a possible emergency. The directive, issued on Saturday, outlines strict protocols for handling protests and warns against sabotage by anti‑state elements.
Guidelines for a Calm but Ready Response
- DPOs, SDPOs, and SHOs must personally monitor all protests.
- Deploy anti‑riot squads, gas guns, and unarmed teams at key sites like police stations, banks, and highways.
- Protest organisers may need a licence under Section 84 of the KP Police Act, 2017.
- Force is graduated: warnings, tear gas, baton charge, and, if needed, aerial firing.
Why the Alert Matters
The move follows a series of violent demonstrations in the province and a federal declaration of a potential emergency. By tightening control over protest logistics and clarifying the use‑of‑force hierarchy, the IGP aims to prevent escalation while safeguarding public safety and property.
What Comes Next
Police will monitor compliance with the new guidelines, coordinate with district administrations, and record all proceedings. If an emergency is declared, the province will be prepared to deploy additional resources, enforce curfews, and maintain order with minimal force.
