Seven people – including a woman – were killed while 73 others sustained injuries in a clash between the supporters of Dr Tahirul Qadri and police in Lahore.
The fight started last night when members of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) tried to stop police from removing barriers outside their leader’s house in Model Town Colony. Police baton-charged and shelled the demonstrators for not letting them do their job.
Five of the protesters were also arrested for creating trouble.
The injured were shifted to a hospital for medical assistance. According to hospital sources, the injured also include 14 police personnel.
Police today managed to remove all the barriers despite intense opposition, while anti-encroachment officials are busy clearing the area and removing the rubble. Police personnel are present in the locality to monitor the work and ensure protesters are kept under control.
As per previous court orders, blocking streets for security reasons is not allowed and police should remove such blockages.