Police conducted a raid on a protest rally organized by lawyers outside the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday. The lawyers had commenced their protest rally from the House of Justice to the LHC to voice their grievances regarding the transfer of civil courts to the Model Town court and the handling of cases against lawyers.
Tensions escalated between the police and protesting lawyers at GPO Chowk, resulting in police resorting to baton charging and firing teargas shells, alongside the use of water cannons to disperse the protestors. Several lawyers were detained during the police operation, and clashes led to injuries, including Station House Officer (SHO) Akhtar.
The confrontation disrupted the traffic flow on Mall Road and surrounding areas.Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Lahore condemned the lawyers’ violent actions, stating that while they were permitted to hold a peaceful rally, they resorted to assaulting law enforcement officers, which is unacceptable.
Negotiations between the police and lawyers ensued, leading to a temporary halt in tear gas shelling. However, the situation remained tense, prompting further police intervention, including baton charging.
Subsequently, the police successfully dispersed the lawyers using water cannons and shells, restoring traffic flow at GPO Chowk. Over 20 lawyers were apprehended by the police.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz urged the Inspector General (IG) Punjab to exercise restraint and avoid using force against the lawyers, stating the importance of resolving issues peacefully to safeguard Lahore’s citizens.
In response to the unrest, the Pakistan Bar Council announced a nationwide strike for the following day. The lawyers’ demands include the withdrawal of court transfers to the Model Town Division and the dismissal of First Information Reports (FIRs) against lawyers in terrorism cases.
