ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of activists of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), pushing down all the security blockades, Sunday reached Fiazabad Interchange to stage protest against publication of blasphemous caricatures in France after fierce clashes with police.
Fierce clashes between police and the protesters were witnessed at Murree Road and Faizabad Interchange. Police resorted to baton charge and used tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
Protesters demanded of the government to expel ambassador of France from the country and end diplomatic and trade ties with France.
The protesters were of the view that they would continue protest till the fulfilment of their demands. TLP 'Tahafuz Namoos-i-Risalat' was continued at Fiazabad till filling of this report.
The district administrations of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad had placed a large number of containers, concrete blocks and barbed wires on different roads to prevent movement of TLP activists towards Faizabad and the federal capital. Cellular service remained suspended in whole Rawalpindi region and federal capital.
The TLP workers earlier gathered at Liaquat Bagh following the call given by TLP chief Maulana Khadim Rizvi. The protesters were holding placard inscribed with slogans in favour of their demands and pictures of Rizvi.
The protestors chanted slogans such as "Hurmat e Rasool Pay Jaan Bhe Qurban He", "Kick out French Ambassador from Pakistan and pull out the Pakistani diplomats from Paris", "We will behead French President for committing blasphemy" and "Our lives and properties are sacrificed for protection of prestige of Prophet".
Fierce clashes erupted between police and protesters at Murree Road in Rawalpindi when the protesters started marched towards Faizabad Interchange, where the TLP had staged a sit-in 2017. Faizabad Interchange connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad through the Islamabad Expressway and Murree Road, both of which are the busiest roads in the twin cities.
Police used tear-gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters while TLP activist responded with pelting of stones as result a number of protesters and police personnel received injures. However, they managed to remove the barricades and moved towards Faizabad.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi police had also arrested over 150 workers of TLP few days ago to prevent them from participating in the protest march.
Capital police had placed over 300 containers in and around the Red Zone and at all entry and exit points, including Faizabad, Tarnol and Rawat, police and the paramilitary force have been deployed to stop the entry of TLP activists into the city. Motorists and general public face problems due to the blockages of different roads leading to capital city.
Over 4000 personnel including the Anti-Riot Unit, Counter-Terrorism Force, Anti-Terrorism Force and police reserve along with contingents from Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC), had been deployed in the city. Police had also arranged anti-riot gears for dealing with any untoward situation and maintain peace.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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