PAT workers reach airport defying section 144

ISLAMABAD: A larger number of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers crossed all barriers to reach the Benazir International Airport to welcome their chief Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri who is expected to land shortly.

Qadri's supporters clashed with police and chanted slogans against the government as law enforcers tried to prevent them from reaching the airport. The police baton charged the supporters and resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd near Faizabad.

Following clashes with supporters the police finally had to retreat after enraged activists pelted them with stones.

The protesters carrying banners and flags of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek, defying section 144 imposed by the government in the wake of the Qadris’ arrival continue their march to the airport.