Scuffle breaks out at Pindi judicial complex

Altercation leaves 6 people injured, raises security concerns

RAWALPINDI:

A violent altercation between two armed groups broke out at the Rawalpindi Judicial Complex on Saturday, resulting in six injuries.

The clash occurred during a court appearance, where members of both groups resorted to kicking, punching, and using sticks, raising concerns over the security protocols in place at the district courts and the judicial complex.

Amid the chaos, a young man was stripped naked, with his clothes later hung on the court's railing. Despite the disorder, police officers present at the scene remained passive.

An estimated 150 individuals from both sides reportedly breached all police barriers and checkpoints, storming the judicial complex. Following the skirmish, the assailants fled on foot or in vehicles, breaking through police and the elite force barriers.

The clash also affected female complainants, several of whom were caught in the stampede and suffered injuries. The court's corridors were left in disarray, with broken benches scattered throughout the building. The brawl caused Additional District and Sessions Judge Madam Farhat Jabeen to postpone a scheduled hearing in a murder case involving both groups.

The murder case in question pertains to the killing of Ahmed Nawaz in a land dispute under the jurisdiction of the Chountra police station.

The plaintiff, Raja Abbas, had filed charges against Sardar Sajjad, Osama, and others on June 28, 2024. Bail applications for the suspects remain under review.

The incident occurred during the hearing of Naeem vs the government, when large numbers of supporters from both parties gathered, escalating tensions. The fight, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, saw over 100 people freely attacking one another, damaging court property and causing panic among bystanders.