ASWJ ends protest in Islamabad as police assures to probe workers killings

Protest ended following negotiations with the Islamabad administration and the police

ISLAMABAD: The Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) on Friday marched from Lal Masjid to Melody Chowk in protest of “frequent target killings of their leaders and workers.”

According to the party’s spokesperson, Hafiz Oneeb, the march was led by ASWJ’s Islamabad Chief Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi against the recent surge in acts of violence against party representatives.

Their demands included the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate target killings of their members, follow-up on previously filed First Inquiry Reports (FIRs) against party workers to be surfaced, as well an inquiry on the reports to be initiated such that “false” accusations shall be dismissed.

The ASWJ also demanded the administration to ensure the release of their workers across Punjab.

The outfit ended their protest following negotiations with the Islamabad administration and the police.

SP Khurram confirmed to The Express Tribune that police was present during negotiations, and an inquiry committee would be formed soon to probe the killings of ASWJ workers.

According to sources, the committee may be formed under SP Ilyas, whereas other demands of the party will be also considered.

Over 18 workers of the ASWJ have been killed in the past 18 months.

While a recent list published on the NACTA website termed ASWJ to be a banned outfit, confusion persists over its present status.

The outfit’s spokesperson; however, claims otherwise as a banned outfits cannot hold public rallies and demonstrations.