Faisalabad lockdown: PTI to observe day of mourning on Tuesday

Imran vows not to let the sacrifice of slain PTI worker Haq Nawaz go in vain



FAISALABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a day of mourning on Tuesday after a party worker was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on their rally near Nala Lai in Faisalabad on Monday afternoon, Express News reported.

The incident prompted protests in various cities of Pakistan including Peshawar, Lahore, Quetta and Karachi. PTI chief Imran Khan said that they are ready to counter the oppressive rule of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and that all district headquarters will stage funeral prayers for the slain PTI worker Haq Nawaz on Tuesday.

An FIR has also been lodged against Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali and former Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah among 300 people.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister has constituted a three member investigation committee to probe the incident. The Punjab government has also announced a bounty worth Rs5 million for information that would lead to the arrest of the assailant.

PML-N leaders have denied that the assailant was affiliated with their party.



11:58pm

Punjab government on Tuesday announced a bounty worth Rs5 million for information leading to the arrest of the suspect involved in Monday’s incident in Faisalabad

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11:05pm

Imran Khan has left for Faisalabad Airport to return to Islamabad and join the protest at D-Chowk.

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9:50pm

Standing atop his vehicle at D-Type Chowk in Faisalabad, PTI chief vowed not to let the sacrifice of slain PTI worker Haq Nawaz go in vain, Express News reported.

“PTI will observe ‘Youm-e-Soug’ (Day of Mourning) on Tuesday and I will also offer funeral prayers of the slain PTI worker.”

“I would like to thank people of Faisalabad of supporting our call for shutting down the entire city to save our future,” said the PTI chief.

Accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of following the politics of oppression Imran said, “Nawaz you have always followed the politics of violence.”

“PML-N thought young PTI workers would get scared, tired and leave, but we are not scared and will fight against their injustices.”

“I will go to Karachi next and I am eagerly waiting to go Lahore,” said Imran.



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9:20pm

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Monday took notice of the firing incident at Nala Lai bridge in Faisalabad and has formed a three member committee to probe it, Express News reported.

Provincial Secretary for Environment Iqbal Muhammad Chohan will lead the committee. The committee will submit its findings within three days to the chief minister.

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9:10pm

PTI chief Imran Khan has reached D-Type Chowk in Faisalabad, Express News reported.



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8:50pm

Express News reports that PTI plans to continue its protest against the killing of its worker, in Peshawar on Tuesday.


PTI workers protesting against the killing of PTI worker in Peshawar on Monday evening. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/ EXPRESS

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8:48pm



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8:45pm

MQM leader and coordination committee member Mustufa Azizabadi expressed sorrow over the killing of PTI worker in Faisalabad while protesting against the government, our correspondent Rabia Ali reported.

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8:30pm

Talking to Express News, former law minister Rana Sanaullah refuted the allegation that the man who opened fire on PTI's rally was a PML-N worker.

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8:20pm

Meanwhile, read our interview of a female PTI activist who fought off an advancing mob here.

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8:10pm

On Monday evening, case was registered against State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali and Rana Sanaullah among 300 people for the murder of PTI activist Haq Nawaz. The FIR was registered on the complaint of Nawaz’s brother Attaullah.

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7:59pm

Heavy contingent of Police and Rangers have been deputed at the PML-N office located on Karsaaz Road in Karachi. Meanwhile, PML-N workers from all over the city have also started gathering outside the party’s office.

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7:49pm

Metro Bus service in Lahore has been suspended due to security reasons, Express News reported.

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7:48pm

PTI workers have blocked the road leading to Murree near Athal Chowk, Bara Kahu area in Islamabad.

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7:24pm


PTI activists burn tyres and block Aabpara during a protest. PHOTO: ONLINE

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7:19pm

PML-N supporters resorted to throwing eggs on PTI chief Imran Khan’s vehicle while it was passing through Chenab Chowk, according to our correspondent Shamsul Islam.

Despite all such odds, Imran continued his journey along with a big procession towards to D-Type Intersection.

Interestingly, PTI workers have not retaliated to the egging on his vehicle by PML-N activists.

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7:00pm

PTI workers will stage a protest against the death of their activist at Five Star Chowrangi in Karachi at 7:00pm, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.

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6:57pm

PTI workers in Karachi are advancing towards Karsaz to protest outside the PML-N office in the area, Express News correspondent Rehan Khan reports.

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6:41pm

PTI chief Imran Khan's vehicle has been pelted with stones on Jhang Road in Faisalabad, Express News reports.

The PTI chief has been on the move from the airport for about two hours to reach Ghanta Ghar to address his supporters.

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6:38pm

PTI's Nadir Akmal Khan Leghari said Karachi will remain closed on December 12, adding that the PTI chief will arrive in the city on that day, our correspondent Rabia Ali reports.

Leghari, while addressing a press conference, said the sit-in will start after Friday.

“If Gullu Butts come out, PML-N and PPP will be responsible,” he said. “PTI has not approached or invited any political party to take part in the protests directly.”

He also said a day of mourning would be observed throughout Sindh, and a protest would be held on Tuesday at 5pm at Regal Chowk.

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6:25pm

PTI workers can be seen burning tyres on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi.


Express News screengrab of protesters burning tyres on Shahra-e-Faisal.

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6:25pm

PTI has also announced to hold protests in Peshawar tomorrow, Express News reports.

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6:21pm









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6:15pm

Watch a video of the clashes between police and PTI workers outside former Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah's office.



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6:07pm

As PTI workers gather and try to enter former Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah’s office, police have resorted to firing tear gas and hurling stones at the protesters, Express News reports.


Further, stick-wielding PML-N workers have also gathered outside Sanaullah’s office.

Some PTI workers threw back the gas shells towards the police which caused injuries to four police constables and 10 PTI workers, according to our correspondent on the ground Shamsul Islam.



Express News screengrab of police firing what appears to be tear gas at PTI protesters.

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5:51pm

The lights in Novelty Chowk, where PTI chairman Imran Khan is due to address his supporters, have been switched off.


Express News screengrab of PTI protesters holding candles as electricity is shut off in the area.

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5:50pm

PTI protesters have blocked off GPO Chowk to protest their activist’s death. The protest, which was led by the PTI’s lawyer’s wing, now includes other PTI supporters and members of the ISF, our correspondent Aroosa Shaukat reports.

Currently, more than 200 protestors are present at the venue and are burning tyres.

A Forman Christian College bus was stopped by protesters, but the students joined the protest and chanted ‘Go Nawaz Go.

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5:46pm

Three police officials have been injured as clashes erupted between police and PTI workers outside former Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah’s office, Express News reports.

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5:33pm

PTI leader Arif Alvi says negotiations (with the government) cannot continue in such a volatile situation.

“The government should be ashamed of its act of killing an innocent worker,” he added while addressing a press conference, warning that the PTI’s movement will spread.

Further, he said protests have started on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi as well.

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5:27pm



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5:20pm

Police fire tear gas at protesters moving towards former Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah’s office, Express News reports.

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5:15pm

Along with Punjab, PTI has announced to observe a day of mourning tomorrow in Karachi as well, Express News reports.

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5:05pm

A stage has been set at D-Type Chowk in Faislabad for PTI chief Imran Khan to address his party workers and supporters, Express News reports.

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5:03pm

Nabeela Ghazanfar, a spokesperson for police in Punjab, told AFP: "One protester has been killed and five others injured including two policemen.

"The Punjab police chief has issued strict orders not to let anybody take the law into their hands."

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4:58pm

PTI workers say they will continue to protest till their central leadership orders them to do otherwise, Express News correspondent Imran Asghar reports.

Further, PTI has announced to observe “Black Day” across Punjab on Tuesday.


PTI workers protest in Sialkot against the killing of slain PTI worker. PHOTO: INP

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4:51pm

The post-mortem of the deceased PTI worker has not yet begun, Express News reported. According to sources, there is a delay because the police have not yet reached the hospital.

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4:41pm

Islamabad Expressway has also been sealed after several tyres were burnt, our correspondent Irfan Ghauri reports.

AS heavy traffic jam can be seen on roads leading to the Islamabad Expressway, Express News reports.

Further, protests have started on Mall Road in Lahore where protesters can be heard chanting "Go Nawaz Go," according to Express News.


Express News screengrab of protesters burning tyres on the Islamabad Expressway.

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4:33pm

Aabpara Chowk has been blocked by police after tires were burnt in the area allegedly by PTI supporters, and the area has been sealed by barriers, our correspondent Azam Khan reports.

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4:16pm

PTI Chairman Imran Khan has reached Faisalabad Airport in a special airplane and is moving  towards the city via Jhang Road in a big procession, our correspondent Shamsul Islam reports.

A large number of PTI workers, activists and leaders are part of the procession.

The body of the slain PTI worker, Haq Nawaz -- who was 23-years-old, has been shifted to the mortuary of Allied Hospital for postmortem.

Additionally, PTI has announced to hold a protest against the killing of their worker who was fatally shot in Faisalabad this morning at Mall Road after the Punjab Assembly session.

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4:12pm


A shopkeeper looks as clashes erupt between PTI workers and PML-N workers. PHOTO: INP

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4:02pm

All eight bazaars leading to Ghanta Ghar have virtually been sealed by the police, who have also dispersed PML-N workers at this location, according to our correspondent on the ground, Shamsul Islam.

Further, police are enabling workers from PTI, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) to enter the eight bazaars to reach Ghanta Ghar.

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3:49pm

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid lashed out at PTI chairman Imran Khan and said the latter’s “Plan is to create chaos in the country.”

“When residents of Faisalabad announced they would not participate in the PTI shutdown, PTI vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi claimed they would protest preacefully,” the information minister said.

But Rashid continued that Imran “gave him a shut up call” like he had done earlier on the issue of negotiations with the government.

Read the whole story here.


Express News screengrab of Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid while addressing a press conference.

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3:43pm

PTI has announced to hold a protest against the killing of their worker at 4:15pm on Expressway near Sohan in Islamabad, Express News reports.

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3:37pm

Organisers say he will first go to Novelty Chowk to reach D-Type Chowk, from where the slain PTI worker’s body has been transported.

Imran is also said to be scheduled to make a speech there.

A heavy police contingent is also monitoring the situation to prevent any direct clashes at this spot.

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3:36pm

A large number of PTI workers, activists and leaders have thronged the Faisalabad Airport to receive PTI chief Imran Khan, who is scheduled to arrive from Islamabad at 3:30 pm, according to our correspondent Shamsul Islam.

The PTI convoy, which comprises a large number of vehicles, has been stopped about one kilometre away from the airport. Further, media teams have also been restricted from moving towards the airport.

PTI workers seem to be very charged and can be seen carrying flags and chanting “Go Nawaz Go”.


Charged PTI protestors rally on the streets of Faisalabad. PHOTO: INP

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3:33pm

Rana Sanaullah, while speaking to Express News, denied that the man who allegedly shot the PTI worker was a PML-N worker.

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3:10pm

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid is set to hold a press conference at 3:30pm regarding the Faisalabad clashes and the government's strategy, according to out correspondent Abdul Manan.

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3:10pm

The body of the slained PTI worker has been sent to his house for burial.

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2:54pm

Along with PTI workers, PML-N workers and supporters of Sanaullah have also assembled at the former Punjab law minister’s office, who has announced that he will also remain there.

“Peaceful protests are a democratic right but no one has the right to resort to force for creating obstacles and take law into their hands,’ Sanaullah said.

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2:48pm

PTI Punjab Chief Ejaz Chaudhary announced that “PTI would stage a sit-in at D-Type Colony Chowk, and will remain there till the registration of a case for PTI worker, Asghar Ali, who was fatally shot dead”.

Chaudhary alleged Rana Sanaullah, his son-in-law Shehar Yar, and DCO Faisalabad are directly responsible for the killing of the PTI worker, whose body has been placed around 400 feet away from Sanaullah’s office.

“PTI chairman Imran Khan would also participate in the protest to press the demand for the registration of a criminal case against Sanaullah, his son-in-law and others.”

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2:48pm


Activists of PTI, seen in the party’s colours and a t-shirt which has “Khan’s army’ written on it, gather in front of a shop after violent clashes erupted between PTI and PML-N supporters. PHOTO: INP

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2:28pm

PTI supporters have reached former Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah’s office with the body of the slain PTI activist.

Meanwhile, PTI chairman Imran Khan has left Bani Gala for Faisalabad.

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2:19pm

Awami Muslim League (AML) leader Sheikh Rasheed speaks to Express News and says PML-N-led government cannot stay in power with these tactics, referring to the use of violence to prevent protests.

The leader says the struggle for justice has spread across the country and is unstoppable.

"PM Nawaz Sharif is surrounded by people who give him poor advice," he claims.

The AML leader accuses PML-N of using Punjab police to achieve its political goals.

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2:15pm

Punjab government spokesperson Zaigham Qadri, while speaking to Express News, alleges PTI members had forced traders last night to shut down shops. Qadri says, however, the traders rejected PTI's call.

He says PTI supporters are frustrated by traders' refusal to close shops and reacting violently.

The provincial spokesperson says Imran Khan should call off his protest if he cares for Pakistan.

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2:03pm

PTI chief Imran Khan, while speaking to the media, says it is the state's responsibility to protect its citizens.

"The violence was pre-planned," he adds.

Imran further accuses PML-N of using "armed thugs" to attack PTI supporters.

"Their Gullus were involved in all the clashes today," he adds.


An Express News screen grab of PTI cheif Imran Khan speaking to the media before his arrival in Faisalabad

The PTI chief says his 'Plan C' is to increase pressure on the government. "We are fighting for democracy," he says, adding that PML-N had agreed on many conditions but backed out recently.

Lamenting police brutality against his supporters, Imran says he will go to the police station in Faisalabad and file an FIR against the attackers.


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1:56pm

PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi says PML-N supporters incited violence and we have lost a supporter. "We still urge our supporters to remain calm; we will review the entire situation," he says, adding that PTI leaders will meet their Faisalabad supporters to come to a conclusion over what actually transpired.

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1:42pm

Mazari says Imran Khan will come to Faisalabad and address his supporters at all costs.

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1:39pm

She also says PTI leaders are present with the supporters and trying their best to keep the situation peaceful.

"Police and PML-N supporters initiated violence," she says.

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1:37pm

PTI leader Shireen Mazari says PML-N had planned to attack PTI supporters.

She claims that the Novelty Bridge shooter is Rana Sanaullah's son-in-law's guard.

Condemning police violence, Mazari says PTI workers were not armed but only retaliated when attacked. "This is self-defence," she adds.

Just like Imran Khan, Mazari recalls JUI-F protest on Peshawar interchange last week and how PTI avoided use of force.

She stresses that PTI leaders have been constantly appealing to their supporters to remain calm. "But it is police's responsibility to remain unbiased and protect everyone," she adds.

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1:32pm

Markets in Gujranwala Road, Ghulam Muhammadabad, Satiyana Road and Dhandi areas remain open, while markets around Ghanta Ghar Chowk are closed.

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1:28pm

At least 100 PTI activists, carrying the body of Asghar Ali, are heading towards former law minister Rana Sanaullah’s “political office” to register their protest, our correspondent Shamsul Islam reports.

Asghar Ali was shot dead in clashes near Novelty Bridge area.

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1:25pm

Jubilant PTI supporters dance at Allied Chowk, while in Ghanta Ghar Chowk area, local party leaders make speeches.

Clashes continue in Novelty Bridge area.

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1:23pm


PTI leaders try to control the situation in Faisalabad. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREEN GRAB

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1:18pm

PTI supporters, including women and children, arrive at Ghanta Ghar Chowk where Imran Khan is due to address at 3.30pm.

A huge number of PML-N supporters are also present in the area.

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1:14pm

PTI supporters, including women and children, arrive at Ghanta Ghar Chowk where Imran Khan is due address at 3:30pm.

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1:12pm

A dozen workers sustain injuries after PTI and PML-N supporters clash near Ghanta Ghar Chowk, our correspondent Shamsul Islam reports.

Police baton charge agitators in an attempt to disperse them.

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1:01pm

According to our correspondent Shamsul Islam, PTI local leader Lubna Malik was allegedly confronted by PML-N supporters when she arrived in Ghanta Ghar Chowk area.

She was taken to safety by police after she ran away from the angry crowd.



 

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12:59pm

Traders have closed markets around Ghanta Ghar Chowk as security situation deteriorates in the area, our correspondent Shamsul Islam reported.

Police had earlier assured these shopkeepers that they will be provided full security during the PTI strike.

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12:56pm

Clashes between PTI, PML-N continues in various parts of the city, while police fail to control the situation.

Our correspondent Shamsul Islam on the ground reports that the Novetly Bridge shooter has been identified as Shahid Ali and is allegedly a PML-N worker.

He resides in the Samnaabad area which borders the current flashpoint – Novelty Bridge area.

The total number of injured has reached four now.

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12:45pm

Allied Hospital's MS confirms death of 23-year-old Asghar Ali and says the PTI activist, who was shot near Novelty Bridge, succumbed to his injures.

The other injured is in critical condition.

CPO Sohail Tajik says Novelty Bridge shooter has been identified and two police teams have been constituted to ensure the shooter's arrest.

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12:35pm

PTI vice president Shah Mehmood Qureshi urges all PTI supporters to remain calm via his twitter account:



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12:26pm

Stick-wielding unidentified men forced traders to close their shops in Novelty Bridge area.

Police, despite present in large number, fail to bring situation under control.

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12:15pm

PTI leader Ejaz Chaudhry blames PML-N of using force to disperse PTI protesters.

He questions why PML-N supporters are gathered in different parts of the area if they don’t intend to clash with PTI workers.

Chaudhry appeals to his supporters to remain calm and not resort to violence.

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12:11pm

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah accuses PTI workers of deteriorating security situation in the city.

He assures the shooter involved in Novelty Bridge shooting will be soon arrested. The leader stressed that the shooter has no links with PML-N, the government or police.

Sanaullah says PTI's call for shutdown has been rejected. He, however, adds PTI chief Imran and his supporters will be provided with full security.
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12:05pm

Alleged PTI supporters clash with PML-N workers at Allied Chowk as news of PTI activists injured in Novelty Bridge incident arrives.

Alleged PTI supporters break windows of cars parked in the area.

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12:04pm

PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry tells Express News that his party workers are peaceful.

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12:01pm

Shahbaz Sharif takes notice of unidentified man firing near Novelty Bridge and orders immediate inquiry into the shooting incident.

CPO Faisalabad tells Express News he is closely monitoring the situation.

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11:50am

One of the injured is reportedly in critical condition.

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11:45am

Shooting by unidentified man leaves two injured who have been shifted to Allied Hospital.

It is unclear what party the shooter belongs to.



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11:40am

Novelty Bridge area echoes with gun shots as unidentified man fires in the air.



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11:39am

One police official is injured as security forces struggle to maintain law and order situation.

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11:34am

Two alleged PTI supporters injured as alleged PML-N supporter opens fire.

One activist was shot in the shoulder while the other on his hand.

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11:24am

Police use water cannons and tear gas shells as protesters continue to throw stones and bricks.

Children are also allegedly involved in throwing stones.



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11:20am

Ahead of his arrival, PTI chief takes to his twitter account:





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11:15am

Traders allegedly forced to close their shops in the area around Chenab Road.

PTI female supporters stage sit-in near Faisalabad’s Allied Chowk.

Protesters are now making use of bricks to throw at rival protesters at novelty bridge.

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11:09am

Two party activists have been injured as rival parties throw stones at each other. It is not yet clear which party they belong to.

Edhi officials take injured to hospital for medical treatment.

Police begin baton charge to disperse protesters.

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11:07am

Imran has announced the time of his arrival via twitter:


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10:58am

Faisalabad’s district administration has reportedly constituted teams to negotiate with PTI protesters.

Traffic around Abdullah Chowk has been diverted to alternate routes as PTI blocks area by setting tyres on fire.

A heavy contingent of police is present in the area to maintain law and order situation.

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10:51am

PTI supporters stage sit-ins and manage to completely block Samundri Road and Novelty Bridge in the city. Supporters allegedly tear each other's clothes as political temperature rises.

PML-N and PTI workers clash near Millat Chowk with police arriving and dispersing the opposing members.



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10:40am

Pakistan Muslim League -  Nawaz (PML-N) and PTI supporters trade verbal jabs as PTI begins to stage sit-ins in various areas of the city.

Party supporters exchange "go Nawaz go" and "ro Imran ro" slogans as they criticise each other's leaders.

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9:43am

Alleged PTI supporters gathered at Millat Chowk and burnt tyres.


Imran had earlier made a commitment to remain peaceful throughout the shutdown of the city.

With full faith that PTI has the power to shutdown the entire city, party activists are all set to stage demonstrations across nine locations in Faisalabad, namely, Gattwala, Nishatabad, Akbar Chowk, PMC Chowk, Novelty Bridge, Jinnah Colony Gates, Chenab Chowk, Abdullah Pur Chowk and Jhall Khannuana Chowk.

Burning tyres before the arrival of their party leader, the alleged PTI supporters have managed to disrupt traffic flow in one part of the city.

COMMENTS (95)

Fawad Gilani | 9 years ago | Reply

@mamu: No it was not ended. Khattak is very corrupt. Runs gambling dens in Kohat and illegal Wine shops in DI Khan.

jock | 9 years ago | Reply

Scene set for a 'My Beloved Countrymen...' speech, preceded by several fast-moving Land Rover Defender SUVs. No, the big, big boys don't ride the Isuzus and Land Cruisers anymore. Really, really, hope to God I'm wrong.

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