Protesting property dealers released

They protested against government for levying taxes on them

LAHORE: A magistrate on Friday released property dealers who were arrested on Thursday night for staging a protest on Mall Road.

A day after over a week-long sit-in by lady health workers (LHWs), the dealers had gathered to protest against the government for levying taxes on them. Around 500 property dealers had gathered with a plan to stage a sit-in. They also blocked the road for traffic.

Police tried to hold negotiations with them, but failed. They convinced them to leave the venue, but the demonstrators paid no need. As a result, police used the water cannon as a last resort.

As many as 57 of them were taken into custody and an FIR was registered under sections 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 147/149 (unlawful assembly), 290 (Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for), 291 (Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue) of Pakistan Penal Code, section 06 of Sound System Act and 16 of Maintenance of Public Order on the complaint of SHO Civil Lines.

According to the complainant, he was on duty when around 500 property dealers on motorcycles, cars and trucks gathered at Faisal Chowk, Mall Road. They started chanting slogans against the government and in favour of their demands. Their act caused a nuisance for the public and also a traffic jam. They were using the sound system and making fiery speeches against authorities. They were warned time and again that the government had implemented Section 144 under which conducting rallies or staging protests were banned. They were also said that the Lahore High Court issued orders against staging a sit-in or protest on Mall Road.

The complainant added that leaders of the property dealers were informed about the government's decision when they announced the protest on April 4. The leaders of the protesters had also been informed in writing. “All these announcements fell on deaf ears,” said SHO Civil Lines. He added the contingent of police surrounded the protesters to disperse them and also arrested 57 people.

The SHO said that the property dealers had violated the law by staging a protest on Mall Road. Therefore, police took legal action.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 7^th, 2018.