(Lahore) Punjab Police has come under fire after facing criticism on social media for prematurely declaring guilt in the wake of Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s recent acquittal by an Anti-Terrorism Court. The controversial statement was issued on Sunday via the police department’s official Twitter handle, vowing to bring all individuals involved in the May 9 incident, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, to justice.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid, a prominent PTI leader and medical professional, was arrested and charged with terrorism-related offenses in relation to the May 9 incident by the Punjab Police. However, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore recently acquitted her due to a lack of substantial evidence.
The Punjab Police’s tweet, declaring the guilt of Dr. Yasmin Rashid and others involved, sparked a significant backlash on social media platforms. Numerous users criticized the police for overstepping their jurisdiction and highlighting that determining guilt or innocence is solely within the purview of the courts. The public accused the Punjab Police of bias and expressed concerns about the fair and impartial administration of justice.
Punjab Police has been accused of consistently acting against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, violating legal protocols since the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) assumed power last year. PTI Chief Imran Khan has openly accused military of trying to destroy his party.
The controversy surrounding the Punjab Police’s tweet comes at a time when public trust in law enforcement institutions is already a subject of discussion. Authorities are now faced with the task of rebuilding confidence by ensuring that the judicial process remains independent, fair, and free from external influence.