Pakistan Awami Tehreek President Dr Raheeq Abbasi said earlier today that Yaum-e-Shuhada would be observed peacefully on August 10 to commemorate the martyrs of Model Town Tragedy and Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Talking to media outside the residence of Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri in today’s wee hours, he said the government banned the entry of large vehicles in Lahore to prevent the Yaum-e-Shuhada from taking place.
Calling upon the workers to force their way ahead despite being held back by police at heavily guarded pickets, Abbasi said hundreds of PAT workers and leaders have been rounded up by Punjab police in a sweeping province-wide crackdown.
He warned ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’ to ensue at every picket, in case the workers were inhibited from attending Yaum-e-Shuhada. He claimed the PAT workers could remove all the containers within half an hour, if so they willed.
The PAT leader warned the responsibility would rest with the government and Punjab police, in case a clash occurred after the workers were debarred from entering the city.
