Minhajul Quran workers, police clash in Lahore claims 8 lives

LAHORE: Eight people including women were killed when police and protestors clashed outside the Minhajul Quran Secretariat here on Tuesday. Several policemen were among 80 injured in the clashes.

Protestors and police clashed when law enforcers who tried to remove blockades placed outside the Minhajul Quran Secretariat and residence of Dr Tahirul Qadri. Clashes continued throughout the day as protestors chanted slogans against the government and pelted police with stones.




Heavy contingent of police baton charged the protesters and resorted to aerial firing and tear gas shelling to disperse the angry workers.

The police said that the hurdles were being removed as people were facing difficulties in their movements.

According to CCPO Lahore, police acted in self-defence and weapons were recovered from the secretariat.

A spokesman for the Minhajul Quran said that the organization had sought the Lahore High Court orders to close the roads near the secretariat.

Dr Tahirul Qadri

Addressing via video link, Dr Tahirul Qadri termed police action against Minhajul Quran workers as ‘state terrorism’ and said it would not be tolerated.

He added that police opened straight fire at workers. According to Dr Qadri a case of the killing of workers would be registered against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

CM Orders Judicial Inquiry

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has ordered a judicial inquiry of the incident calling for strict action against those responsible for the violence.

The chief minister adds that he will resign if found responsible for the incident following a probe.

Opposition Stages NA Walkout

Opposition parties in the National Assembly staged a walkout in protest over the deaths of Minhajul Quran workers during a clash with police.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah condemned the incident claiming that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was conspiring against his brother Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government.

PTI leader Javed Hashmi said what happened in Lahore was not reflective of the democratic way. Meanwhile, MQM leader Farooq Sattar said removing barriers which had been placed a long time ago was equivalent to creating chaos.

MQM Announces Day of Mourning

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) announced to observe a day of mourning tomorrow (Wednesday) over the loss of life in Lahore.

However, MQM withdrew the appeal to traders and transporters to shut their businesses.

Punjab govt announces Rs30k for each bereaved family

The Punjab government announced Rs30,000 each for the families of the dead TMQ workers.

Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif also issued orders to the concerned authorities to ensure provision of free medical treatment to the injured.