FAISALABAD/ LAHORE: Clashes between Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers and the police have started once again, ahead of PAT’s Youm-e-Shuhada rally on August 10.
On August 8, scores of stick-wielding activists of PAT clashed with policemen in Lahore’s Model Town neighbourhood after the city and the province of Punjab were virtually sealed off by the authorities.
The clashes had broken out when PAT activists attempted to remove large shipping containers that blocked roads and alleyways leading to the Secretariat of Minhajul Quran International. At least seven policemen and at least four PAT activists were wounded in the melee.
Pitched battles are being fought in Lahore and other cities of Punjab as policemen try to stop PAT workers from travelling to Lahore to attend Youm-e-Shuhada.
August 9, 5:42pm
Talking to Express News, Lahore DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf said that efforts to remove barriers from roads in Punjab are underway.
Ashraf ensured that fuel will be provided in areas where there is a fuel shortage.
“Our main priority is the law and order situation of the city,” he said responding to a question whether containers can be placed again.
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August 4, 5:10pm
Inspector General Punjab has ordered that all roads and interchanges in Punjab that were sealed off should be re-opened, Express News reported.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
August 9, 4:50pm
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, PML-Q Punjab president Chaudhry Pervez Elahi and Awami Muslim League chief Shiekh Rasheed were stopped at Model Town by police en route to Qadri’s residence.
However, they managed to reach his residence on foot.
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August 9, 4:45pm
Mobile phone services have been suspended in the general area surrounding the Minhajul Quran secretariat in Lahore, according to Express News.
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August 9, 4:18pm
Clashes between police and PAT workers are also ongoing in Jhelum.
Express News reports that during the clashes a policeman from the elite force, Muhammad Faiz, has been killed.
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August 9, 4:10pm
During clashes in Khewra, 30 policemen have been injured.
Further, PAT workers have kidnapped 16 policemen.
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August 9, 3:25pm
PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri has claimed that eight of his “innocent and unarmed” supporters who had come to observe Youm-e-Shuhada have been killed, adding that most of them were shot right in the chest.
Further, he said if he is arrested the whole country will be set on fire.
Qadri also announced that Youm-e-Shuhada would be observed in every street of every city of Pakistan starting from today.
For more details, read the full story here.
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August 9, 3:00pm
Rangers have been deployed outside the residence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind, Lahore, following the deteriorating security situation in the city with clashes between Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) activists and the Punjab police, Express News reported.
Two different Rangers' companies will be assisting in the provision of security in Raiwind for the premier's residence.
Further, several containers have been set up in various parts of Lahore, and clashes between the police and PAT party workers is still ongoing.
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August 9, 2:45pm
Angry Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers set eight police vehicles on fire in Sargodha, Express News reported.
PAT workers were travelling from Sargodha to Lahore when motorway police fired at their car tyres to prevent them from travelling, resulting in the clashes.
Thirteen policemen as well as a few PAT workers have been injured during the clashes and have been taken to a hospital.
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August 9, 12:15pm
A worker of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) was killed and six female party workers were injured as they clashed with the police in Kamoke, a city in Gujranwala district in Punjab, Express News reported on Saturday.
Three policemen were reportedly injured in the clashes while three vehicles of the police were damaged as well.
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August 9, 1:30am
According to Express News, PTI's central information secretary Shireen Mazari has denied reports that Imran Khan will participate in PAT's Youm-e-Shuhada on Sunday.
PTI will send a team to participate in the Yom e Shuhda today being observed by PAT.
— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) August 8, 2014
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August 9, 00:40am
Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of a PAT worker in Bhakkar.
In a statement released late on Friday, Hussain said that the use of force against peaceful processions from Bhakkar was beyond comprehension.
A PAT activist was reportedly killed allegedly by firing from police in Bhakkar.
Hussain urged on the government to desist from using state power to suppress protests. He said that it was the right of political parties in government as well opposition to carry out protest demonstrations provided they do not harm public property.
The MQM chief extended his sympathies to the PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.
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August 8, 11:2opm
PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri says things have gotten so bad that people are not being allowed to congregate for Youm-e-Shuhada.
"I announced categorically and I gave guarantee to the Punjab government that there will be no violence on August 10. So please let them come to participate in this spiritual cogregation for prayers for martyrs."
But Qadri said Model Town has been sealed. This has exacerbated the situation for those who had reached the Minhajul Quran central secretariat since food and water has run out and they cannot resupply. He alleged that those who go to a store to get food, they are detained.
He urges people of Lahore to help get food for the people at Minhajul Quran secretariat.
"I hold Shahbaz Sharif is responsible for the death of 15 PAT activists," Qadri said, alleging that one worker was killed by police firing in Bhakkar.
Qadri urges supporters to continue their trajectory towards Minhajul Quran secretariat and not to "surrender".
He says that a decision on a future course of action will be taken after reviewing the situation and consultation with allied parties on Saturday.
Qadri reiterated that he personally guarantees that if containers are removed, no act of violence or terrorism will take place.
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August 8, 11:05pm
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan told Express News that Fridays clashes showed that the government was acting out of fear in Lahore.
Pointing out that things were never this bad even when former president Pervez Musharraf was in power, Khan alleged that the government was resorting to illegal acts of impounding cars and motorbikes.
He added that they had decided to boycott the security council meeting called by the prime minister on Saturday with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Pervez Khattak advised not to participate.
"We will not participate in any such meeting where the premier tries to be king."
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August 8, 10:45pm
DIG operations Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf said that the barricades will not be removed at any cost, and that an additional contingent of law enforcement personnel has been called in to quell the situation.
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August 8, 10:20pm
According to Express News, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervez Elahi of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid have arrived in Model Town to hold talks with Dr Tahirul Qadri.
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August 8, 9:55pm
According to Express News, check posts have been established throughout Sheikhupura and 23 PAT activists have been detained.
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August 8, 9:40pm
Express News reports that entry and exit points to Lahore have been sealed.
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August 8, 9:20pm
While talking to the media, PAT spokesperson Qazi Faiz gave a two-hour ultimatum to the Punjab government to remove all barriers in Model Town, warning that upon failure of doing so Youm-e-Shuhda would transform into Youm-e-Inqilab.
According to Express News, police have launched a crackdown against PAT workers in Model Town.
"If the government doesn't remove these barriers within two hours, PAT workers will remove them themselves," said Faiz, adding that Punjab police should allow workers to enter the secretariat peacefully to mark Youm-e-Shuhuda.
Earlier, Express News footage showed police running away from protesters as they poured into Model Town. An Express News correspondent present at the location said workers wanted the protests to remain peaceful but were forced by the police to step out and remove the barricades themselves.
"Police cracked down on those activists who were sitting at home," said PAT spokesperson Raheeq Abbasi.
Earlier today, Qadri urged his supporters to remove all barriers and overcome all obstacles and continue gathering at his residence to transform the future of the country and fight for their rights.
Five policemen injured during clashes in Faisalabad
As many as five police officials including an assistant sub inspector have sustained serious injuries during clashes between the police and PAT activists in Quaidabad district of Khushab.
PAT workers also allegedly set a police station on fire in Quaidabad, Express News reported.
Police on Friday had conducted raids to arrest PAT workers and activists. They also blocked all important intersections of Bhakkar, Khushab, Sargodha, and other districts of the regions to hinder PAT workers from travelling towards Lahore to participate in Youm-e-Shuhuda.
Police officials have also started to check vehicles and identification cards of passengers to compare it to a PAT workers’ database compiled by the police.
In Sargodha, police detained more than 35 PAT workers and heavy police contingents were deputed at Sial Mor, Makhdoom and Salam Interchanges to monitor PAT workers departing the city.
Police contingents also conducted raids in Daggar Olakh, Bhakkar to arrest PAT workers. However, the residents of the area overpowered the police and hijacked an official vehicle. High ranking police officials rushed to the spot and after hectic efforts succeeded in recovering the police party.
Similarly, a police contingent conducting a raid in Quaidabad in Khushab but PAT workers overpowered the policemen and severely beat them up.
As a result of these clashes, five police officials including Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Ghulam Ishaq, Rafiq Akhtar, Naveed Haidar, Fayyaz Hussain and Muhammad Hasnain received serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
On receipt of information, the senior police officers also rushed to the spot and after long negotiation they recovered the other police officials who were detained by PAT workers.
COMMENTS (49)
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We are unable to get any facilities here in Islamabad becasue of you IK. Roads are blocked by rangers. You said ” Workers must full their bike tanks with petrol. Now petrol is unavailable. Are you out of your mind Imran Khan? Who says, your a leader? People compared you with Quaid-e-Azam. I’d say, you never belongs to Muhammad Ali Jinnah. I was a big PTI supporter but you changed my mind. You only wanted to create problems in out life. I really hate you man. I can just pray for you and for Pakistan.
@Ahmad Shujaat: Sitting abroad and seeking revolution, Do you think we pakistanis are Goof..
It's not a Police State but just a proof of mismanagement. When authorities are not delegated to the proper person but kept all to oneself due... to lack of public & professional knowledge and skills... there is no one in An Emergency to give duties and responsibilities to. That's all! Then an endless Blame Game starts that goes in circles and up & down... A scenario of Total Chaos!
The seeds of this chaos were sown in 2007, when an ambitious Cj took a stand to save his tenure and political parties of all hue jumped in to manipulate the situation to their political advantage. The black coats turned into the danda bardar force for which they were encouraged and cheered on by so-called democracy loving politicians, journalists, civil society. Ever since then this country has gone from one crises to another, and a culture of defiance to state authority has taken root.
This Govt has no mind and most of the officials are brainless. One day you put the containers and the next day when common man cry take off the containers. I don't see any future of this country until we continue with these brainless leaders.
Is Pakistan a police state, when IG is ordering the opening and closure of Punjab roads?
Rex Minor
I Dare ask why did we authorise Lal Masjid operation if the danda bardar Religiuos Fanatics are acceptable in 2014, History repeats : I can see that in 20 years time we will Dis-own the Qadri Lot in the same way as we did the Holy warroirs in Waziristan !! Confused !!!!!
@Zain: What's more , IK is publically supporting a terrorist like TuQ.
They are both sides of the same coin.
I wonder why the government is not arresting TUQ. What are they waiting for? To get more people and policemen killed?
Tuq is responsible for current death and destruction wave.However government has shown incompetence beyond imagination.How could they allow him to essentially hijack the plane?They should have shut down his organization and all the Madrassa,s associated with it. Establish good functioning schools. If you cannot maintain law and order which is your first duty as chief then resign Fire the cronies bring competent law and order officers. If not available may be ask" China as usual, or your friend in Arab countries can finance it" What an incompetent sorry mess. if it continues in this direction either military will indirectly take over or anarchy will prevail.
I am extremely disappointed with Qadri and Mr. Imran Khan. Both of them have demonstrated remarkable imaturity. Both of them have no idea on how to solve the country's problems. Both of tgem are behaving as Thugs. Both of them are advocating anarchy. How can we expect "insaf" from someone who can't even give justice to his daughter. Extremely unfortunate...
Sir Qadri Saheb: Please do not create a "Fitna". Respect the mandate of the people of Pakistan given to PMLN.
Its official now. Sharif bros are incapable of learning from past mistakes.
I just came back to my home from a friends home here in kharian(gujrat),g.t road is completely sealed off with trucks loaded with goods by police,they are stopping every truck and blocking the roads by parking them there.
Nabu have little bit of decency to listen other's point of view but the great shabu is a fighter. Shabu will fight its way out. Nabu and Shabu will rule the pakistan till pakistan divide into small small parts. Pakistan doesn't need enemies, it has Nabu and Shabu.
No thanks, i'd rather donate food and drinks to our real heroes a.k.a IDPs who have left their homes just for a better Pakistan without extremism! While PMLN has itself to blame for chaos, PAT has no right to act like a mafia and threaten the entire system!!
This lunatic is attacking the state vas state functionaries . We need a commando action to capture TuQ.
He is an enemy of Pakistan . Just see the language he is using and the violence he is espousing .
@Ahmad Shujaat: Not the French revolution, but the little one played in 1947 before Pakistan Muslim League was declared the winner!
Rex Minor
@Taimoor: Reminds you of the Nazis. And Hitler's storm troopers.
tuq came to foment trouble he should be tried under the applicable law.lot of people are getting hurt because of his blind ambition. Too many madrassa,s too little education too many people calming to be Ulema,s even in Usa. Respect for law is conspicuous by its absence. In the name of Islam these guys pick and choose what laws they will follow . Such a sorry state of affairs. I wonder if many of these are really loyal to Pakistan.
@Malveros: Deporting TUQ will not solve the Problem. Whole Nation has gone crazy. It is country where Humanity ( Insaniyat) is a rare Commodity. What Do you expect. If you deport him some other actor will take over & start fooling the people. Pakistanis put themselves into this situation. There are lot of forces within the country bent on destroying it. Religious Forces are on top of that. In Pakistan there is no Insaniyat & Islam. Country is heading towards a civil war. Let it do so. May be that way our people will learn a lesson. But Chances that they will learn is 0.001%. No body has a solution for the problems started by Bhutto, Zia, Yaha Khan, If there is a solution then nobody has a courage to show the nation that this is the problem & this the way to fix it. Solution is very Simple. No Religion in Politics & National affairs. All the Provinces should have equal opportunities & no one should feel exploited. Pakistan was created for Muslims not for Islam.
PML(N) is making every effort to bring martial law in this country............Govt must resign immediately before every person is on street to overthrow Nawaz Govt.
@Malveros: What about sending Sharifs back to Jeddah? But before billions are recovered from them.
This fake revolutionary thug should be sent to jail immediately and peace should be restored. End of story.
Such a disgraceful abuse of power by PML-N. The Sharif family has never learnt anything from its past. They are only good at hijacking planes, stealing from the national kitty and stashing the money abroad, and killing people through state murder. The end is here for the Sharifs, and this time I dont think they will be allowed the exile, rather they may be headed to the gallows for their crimes.
@Malveros:
This isent your uncle Nawaz Sharif's personal palace. Qadri is a dual national, which means he is also a full Pakistani citizen. Neither you, nor the Sharif thug brothers can deport a Pakistani citizen from his own country. PML-N is so desperate as it can see its demise. This time the demise will be permanent too.
@Aamir Alim: Unbelievable. PMLN must be really stupid if they are asking police to fire in air and lob tear gas. Stay safe bro.
Simple solution is to deport TUQ back to Canada under "persona non grata".
end of pmln
The End for the Sharif thugs is in sight. Forget about the end of the month, the Sharifs wont last till even August 14th.
Despite our political differences, there is no need for violence. Hope everyone on both sides exhibits restrain.
TuQ is working on foreign agenda. He should be dealt with Iron hands by the Government. Watch the video regarding foreign media discussing about Pakistan: http://vimeo.com/102825746
Any person who breaks the law should be thrown behind bar.Enough is enough
Release Gullu Butt, the hero now. He will teach these cowards a lesson!
Like I have already said on the day of Qadri’s return flight from canada, Islamabad police was kept unarmed in order to avoid any untoward incident despite the restraint shown by police on that day,many policemen were savagely beaten and some of them are under treatment in hospitals even today.
Once again today Qadri's thugs have beaten some policemen in Model Town,police so far is showing restraint and prudently withdrew from some of its positions when Qadri mob tried to attack them. Now if Qadri and his mobsters don't follow the law then definately law will take its course and deal with troublemakers with iron hands. They shouldn't whine if Police takes any action against their violent mobsters.
Shahbaz Sahab, Karachi was huge and spread out several fold. Throwing few dozen road block only hampered the IK, PPP Airport trip. Now blocking streets of a historically designed & drawn congested city like Lahore just brings the life of general public to a screeching halt. To prove my point... just see how close your own house is to Qadri's, few streets down, no? Please do not make it a Historic Shahada resemblance and save something to live on later in old age.
Shahbaz Sharif and PMLN provincial Govt is fully responsible for this chaos and any bloodshed that may happen.
Shahbaz Sharif started this by staging massacre of innocent civilians on June 17. 100 people were shot with straight bullets and 14 were killed including women. The victims' FIR is still not registered.
Now again, Punjab govt blocked all roads to Model Town and tried to starved off the people. They started arresting TuQ workers and harassing them. They created fake cases and used FBR for their political purposes.
Punjab govt and its police is behaving like criminals. What can the people do?
I am In Model town. And the police is INSANE! They have fired so many tear gas shells we can feel it even 10 minutes away from the scene! We cannot go out - and they have started firing in the air too. SHAME ON PML-N and the Sharif CRIMINALS.
Where is the "good governance" and "heavy mandate"?
Qadri Sb: Join Khan and bring true democracy
What exactly is the reason behind all this mindless turmoil?
Remnant of French revolution? When the citizens dragged the dead bodies of tyrants on the streets? Will the Sharif monarchy suffer the same? I sure hope so.