Clashes continue: One PAT worker killed, 6 female workers injured in Punjab

Three policemen injured in clashes, three vehicles of the police damaged as well

KAMOKE: A day before the party's ‘Martyrs’ Day’ rally, 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.

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 were also fought in other cities of Punjab when policemen tried to stop PAT workers from travelling to Lahore to attend the ‘Martyrs’ Day’ rally.

PAT workers had set alight the Quaidabad police station in Khushab district Friday night. Official records and furniture were burnt to ashes, while PAT workers had allegedly freed 11 accused from the lockup. They had overpowered eight police officials, beat them up and kept them hostage for over two hours.

According to officials, 50 buses carrying PAT activists from Mianwali, Joharabad, Quaidabad and other adjourning areas were en route to Lahore to participate in the Martyrs Day when the Quaidabad police had intercepted the convoy on Bhakkar-Mianwali Road.

The police had plucked the drivers from the buses and thrashed them up. Angered by the police action, PAT workers on board the buses had attacked the police, forcing them to run for safety. However, the enraged PAT activists had chased them into the police station.

While throwing stones, some PAT workers had forced their way into the police station where they looted the Maal Khana and released 11 accused from the lockup. Before fleeing, they had set fire to the police station and damaged elite force vehicles, seven motorcycles and three cars standing outside the police station.

In Bhakkar, a police contingent had conducted a raid in the Daggar Olakh area to detain PAT workers but local residents overpowered the policemen. They were freed after successful negotiations between senior police officials and residents. One PAT worker, who was wounded in the clash, had reportedly succumbed to his injuries later in the night.

PAT activists had also clashed with the police in several parts of Faisalabad division, including Chiniot City, Chenab Nagar and City Gojra.