ISLAMABAD, 17 JULY, (DNA) – Two persons have been arrested in connection with banners displayed in the city that urged the chief of army staff to ‘take over’, by capital and Rawalpindi police.

A case was registered against the banners at the Secretariat police station on Thursday under Pakistan Penal Code sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 124-A (sedition), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).

Investigators used footage from the Safe City Project’s cameras installed where the banners were hung.

Police said a Suzuki pickup was seen being used to transport the banners to various areas, and the vehicle’s registration number was found, issued by the Lahore Excise and Taxation Office. The investigators used details obtained by the ETO to conduct a raid in Dheri Hassanabad, Rawalpindi, by the Rawalpindi and Islamabad police.

The owner of the vehicle said his vehicle was being used by his cousin, Arshad, who was arrested in another raid, an official said. Arshad then identified another man, Fahim, who was also arrested for his involvement. The vehicle in question, as well as more banners, were recovered from their possession.

During interrogation, Arshad told the police he received Rs22,000 – given to him by Fahim – to make the banners. Officials said Fahim, in turn, pointed to a man called Ali, who they said had obtained bail from the court and has not yet been arrested.

They said another man, Kamran, who is affiliated with the Move On Pakistan party, was behind the making and hanging of the banners, but he too has obtained bail.

Both suspects, Arshad and Fahim, were handed over to the Secretariat police for further legal action. Officials said they were produced in the court of Magistrate Syed Haider Shah where a five-day physical remand for investigation was sought. The magistrate agreed to a three-day physical remand into police custody. =DNA
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