Clashes between PAT workers and police in Lahore

LAHORE: Seven policemen including a SHO were injured in clashes with Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers near the Minhajul Quran Secretariat in Lahore.

The clashes which continued sporadically took place following the removal of barricades by PAT workers. Ten PAT workers were arrested while three others were injured.

During the clashes police used tear gas to disperse the angry workers several of whom were armed with sticks. Policemen were attacked by the PAT workers who also seized control of a police bus.

Reports of Dr Tahirul Qadri being arrested soon were dismissed by the Punjab government while Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said everyone was responsible for bringing the situation under control.

The province’s Law Minister, Rana Mashood said Dr Qadri believed in the ‘politics of bodies’ and was instigating his workers to commit murder. He added that a treason and terrorism case would be registered against Dr Qadri.

Meanwhile, the police have once again placed containers which had been removed by the PAT workers.




Background

Earlier, PAT workers had removed barricades placed near Jinnah Hospital which blocked the road leading to the Minhajul Quran Secretariat.

TV footage showed hundreds of PAT workers armed with sticks coming onto the streets and removing barricades placed in the area. A crane was also used to remove containers which had been placed as barricades. The workers also pelted stones and threatened the police.

The barricades had been placed by the Punjab government as a security measure ahead of the PAT Youm-e-Shuda scheduled for August 10.

On Friday the Punjab government also took decisions to partially suspend mobile phone service in Lahore and sent a notice to Minhaj-ul-Quran officials to vacate grounds surrounding the secretariat.