The situation in Zaman Park, Lahore, remains tense as the 24-hour deadline given to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) by the Punjab government to arrest individuals allegedly involved in attacks on military installations has expired. Roads leading to Zaman Park have been closed for 24 hours by the Punjab Police.
The siege on Zaman Park, initiated by the Punjab Police, is ongoing. All camps of PTI workers outside Zaman Park have been deserted, and roads leading to the area have been blocked. The Punjab Police suspects the presence of several terrorists involved in attacking military installations within Zaman Park, necessitating their arrest.
The road closures have caused significant transportation disruptions for citizens, with reports of children experiencing difficulties reaching educational institutions and offices. Additionally, there have been reports of misconduct by Punjab Police personnel manning the barriers.
Dharmpura bridge has also been closed by the police, and a heavy police contingent has been deployed to the area.
Caretaker Information Minister Aamir Mir previously stated in a press conference that around 30 to 40 individuals involved in attacking military installations were present in Zaman Park and should be handed over to the police within 24 hours. The Punjab government has reportedly approved arrests, and a decision has been made to limit the strategy to specific officers in dealing with the situation.
SP Civil Lines Hasan Javed Bhatti confirmed reports of suspects inside Zaman Park and stated that the police have detained eight individuals who attempted to escape through the canal. However, there are still reports of criminals remaining in Zaman Park. The final decision regarding the operation rests with senior officers, and efforts are being made to minimize public inconvenience caused by road closures.
