Fuel shortage: Policeman beaten during protest over gas shortage

He was stopped by protesters when he was trying to cross the road.

FAISALABAD: A policeman was beaten during a protest against the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) on Monday.

Over 200 residents of Nishatabad and adjoining localities staged the protest demonstration on Monday at Faisalabad-Sheikhupura Road.

A large number of housewives carrying pans and utensils blocked the road for traffic and chanted slogans against the SNGPL.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Sughran Bibi, one of the protesters, said hundreds of houses had been affected by poor gas pressure.

She said in the morning, men and children had to leave for offices and schools but and for several weeks, the women had been unable cook breakfast for them.

“We have complained to the SNGPL about the low gas pressure a number of times, but no one has anything about it,” said Ghulam Fareed, another protester.

The protesters said gas pressure should immediately be improved in Nishatabad and its adjoining localities.

During the protest, a policeman riding a motorbike tried to cross the road where the protesters were staging a sit-in.

They did not allow the policeman to cross the road.

Witnesses said the policeman quarrelled with some of the men including Nadeem Ahmad, a protester. They said the policeman slapped Ahmad.

The crowd overpowered the policeman and beat him. They also took his gun and fired shots in the air.

A police team reached the scene and negotiated with the protesters who handed the policeman to the police.

A three-member team of SNGPL officials also visited the scene and assured the protesters that their grievances would be resolved as soon as possible.

The protesters dispersed peacefully. No case was registered about the incident.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2014.