Hours before budget, farmers clash with police in capital's Red Zone

ISLAMABAD: The farmers belonging to the Pakistan Kissan Itthehad gathered in D-Chowk in the federal capital's Red Zone Friday to protest against the government for not providing them 'due rights'.

"Recommendations are presented in the budget but none of them are implemented," said one of the protesters, adding that, "We work hard but cannot save anything."

The agitated farmers also pelted stones at policemen who had assembled to stop them from venturing further.

Subsequently, the police used tear gas and water canon to disperse the farmers, moving them into Jinnah Avenue.

Over 100 protesters were taken into custody. The protesting farmers who had come from different areas of Punjab requested the police to not arrest them as they said no one would be able to get them out on bail.

Several protesters, as well as police personnel, were injured in the clash. They were taken to Polyclinic hospital for treatment.  

Opposition stands with farmers

The farmers strengthen the economy, but they are not facilitated, said opposition leader Khursheed Shah who was also present at the protest site.

"[Here] the leaders want to make money and invest it in Saudi Arabia and Europe," Shah said. "On the other hand in neighbouring countries, farmers are provided with special reforms packages." 

He said the government should not turn a blind eye to the problems of farmers. 

Later, Shah spoke to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi. They agreed on taking the issue of farmers being baton-charged to the National Assembly, which is set to convene soon for the budget session.

While relating to the incident, Shah remarked he could feel the pain of farmers who were beaten during the protest.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari has also condemned the incident, saying farmers should not be forced to take extreme steps. 

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari voiced concerns over the attack on protesting farmers. He said it was their democratic right to protest outside the Parliament. 

Moreover, a statement quoted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan as saying that the incumbent government does not value farmers and labourers. "The assault on farmers who took to the street for their rights reflects an authoritarian mindset."  

Metro Bus service affected

The farmers' protest also led to the suspension of the Metro Bus Service in the federal capital. All vehicles of the service were stopped at the stations.

The suspension of service led to inconvenience among commuters in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 

However, the service was resumed later as the protest subsided.