Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has claimed that following the recent incident in Bahawalnagar, there were concerted efforts on social media to portray a conflict between institutions, which he vehemently denied.

In response to the alleged stand-off between policemen and army men three days ago, the police chief issued a video message, addressing the circumstances surrounding the event.

"میرا یہ اہم پیغام پوری پنجاب پولیس کیلئے ہے کیونکہ اسکا تعلق پوری فورس کے مورال سے ہے اور یہ مورال اس عزم کی بنیاد ہے جس پر ہم چوروں، ڈاکوؤں اور رہزنوں سے لڑتے ہیں۔ بہاولنگر میں ایک واقعہ پیش آیا جس کو لیکر سوشل میڈیا پر ایسا طوفان بدتمیزی برپا کیا گیا جس سے یہ تاثر پیدا ہوا کہ… pic.twitter.com/6H2IotvZvD
— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) April 12, 2024

Dr. Anwar highlighted that the two institutions involved jointly took immediate action. "A banned organization is trying to create an impression of conflict between institutions," he stressed, adding that the incident was primarily a result of the non-adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

He emphasized the need for a thorough joint investigation to ensure that all legal requirements are met. "The legal requirements will be met during a joint investigation," he added.

Also Read: Joint inquiry launched into Bahawalnagar incident: ISPR

Furthermore, Dr Anwar condemned the dissemination of videos from old incidents out of context, allegedly aimed at exacerbating tensions and creating a false narrative of institutional discord. He reaffirmed that both institutions involved had swiftly and amicably resolved the issue.

He further said that slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad', 'Pakistan Army Zindabad', and 'Punjab Police Zindabad' were made, echoing the chants of "Long live Pakistan, Pakistan Army, and Punjab police."

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the unfortunate incident was promptly addressed and resolved through collaborative efforts of military and police authorities. Despite this, it said, certain factions with vested motives started fanning vitriolic propaganda on social media to create divisions between state institutions and government departments.

Also Read: Bahawalnagar incident: Citizen reject propaganda against Pakistan Army, Punjab Police

To ensure a fair and deliberate inquiry, and to determine responsibility for violation of laws and misuse of authority, a joint inquiry comprising security and police officials will be conducted for ascertaining the facts and apportioning responsibility.