TLP protests: trade activities come to a halt in Lahore

All trading activities in major commercial markets remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to the protest demonstrations by the supporters of religio-political parties, especially Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), in many parts of the provincial capital which created unrest among citizens besides paralysing the routine life.
The TLP and other religio-political parties demanded to overturn the ruling of Supreme Court, acquitting Aasia Bibi in a blasphemy case. Besides several other locations, some TLP activist held a protest demonstration near Jamia Ashrafia and Ichra Bazaar, demanding public support to review the verdict. The demonstrations resulted in great inconvenience to commuters and residents of adjacent localities. The entry and exit points of the city also remained closed for several hours, leaving the commuters in a state of agony.
In addition, the suspension of cellular service early in the morning in almost all areas also multiplied miseries of the citizens. However, the service was partially restored in the evening.
A heavy contingent of Punjab Rangers along with the personnel of the Punjab police and Dolphin Squad was also deployed outside the Lahore High Court (LHC) and Supreme Court's Lahore registry where a review petition has been filed against the acquittal of Aasia Bibi. However, the police officials kept themselves away from taking security checking charge from the TLP supporters around the sits-in.
Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Amjad Javed Saleemi held an important security meeting at the central police office (CPO) to review prevailing security challenges, particularly pertaining to the TLP sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly and demonstrations in other areas. All senior officers were present at the CPO while field officers joined the meeting through an audio link.
During the meeting, the Punjab police decided not to use any type of force against the agitators to avoid any untoward happening, especially like the Model Town killing incident. However, if someone found taking law into his/her hands, a strict legal action will take place. According to an official, the IGP said every person has the right to peacefully protest in favour of his/her demands but nobody will be allowed to take the law into his hands.
"Amjad Saleemi further directed the officers to keep vigilant about the situation and keep constant liaison with the force and public representatives, religious scholars, notables and general public so that the maintenance of the law and order could be ensured with their cooperation," the official added.