TAXILA: The death of a young man, Akmal Khan, following alleged torture by police personnel over a parking dispute has sparked protests in Taxila, with his family demanding an impartial investigation and legal action against the officials involved.
According to the victim’s family and local residents, the incident occurred near Gangu Check Post, where police personnel allegedly assaulted Akmal Khan following a dispute over parking a vehicle on the road. The family claimed that he was subjected to violence in front of his children and subsequently died.
The incident triggered public outrage, with relatives and residents placing Khan’s body on the road near Taxila Museum and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital to protest against the alleged police brutality.
Protesters demanded that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Inspector General of Punjab Police take immediate notice of the death, order an independent investigation and ensure legal action against those found responsible.
They questioned the conduct of police personnel and called for accountability over the alleged misuse of authority, saying law enforcement officials were responsible for protecting citizens rather than subjecting them to violence.
Local civic and social representatives also expressed concern over the incident, maintaining that a transparent investigation was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding Khan’s death and restore public confidence in the police.
The incident has also brought renewed attention to complaints about policing and public safety in Taxila.
Residents alleged that criminal activities, drug trafficking and illegal prostitution networks were operating in parts of the city, while effective enforcement measures remained inadequate.
They also complained about difficulties in approaching the Station House Officer (SHO) of Taxila Police Station, claiming that ordinary citizens faced obstacles in registering grievances and seeking assistance.
Civic representatives urged senior police authorities to review the performance of Taxila Police Station, improve complaint-handling procedures and strengthen measures against criminal activities.
They stressed that public trust in law enforcement depended on accountability, professional conduct and equal protection under the law.
The bereaved family reiterated its demand for justice, calling on the Punjab government and senior police leadership to ensure that the circumstances of Akmal Khan’s death are thoroughly investigated and that any officials found responsible face legal proceedings.