Lahore (January 17, 2018): A joint opposition protest rally led by Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government — to seek justice for victims of the Model Town tragedy — is under way in Lahore.
The Model Town incident on June 17, 2014, had resulted in deaths of 14 people and injured around 100 during an ‘anti-encroachment operation’ by the Punjab Police outside Idara Minhajul Quran, the PAT’s head office.
Members of opposition parties, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are at the rally at Charing Cross, Mall Road.
A stage has been established atop a container in front of the Punjab Assembly. PPP chief Asif Zardari and PTI Chairman Imran Khan are expected to address the rally at different sessions, owing to their mutual hostility.
Sources said Zardari will address the rally before evening prayers whereas Imran will take the stage after.
Moreover, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri is expected to announce the joint opposition’s future strategy — which can range from a sit-in to a long march or a mix of both — in the night during his concluding speech, according to sources.
Over 6,000 police personnel, including 11 SPs and 24 DSPs, have been deployed.
The arteries around the Mall Road remain congested in the wake of the demonstration. The flow of traffic remains affected on Shahrah-e-Fatima Jinnah, Kachehri Road, Hall Road, Cooper Road, Boharwala Chowk and Egerton Road.
Similarly, nearby educational institutes, including the Punjab University, as well as surrounding markets and the Lahore Zoo are closed today.
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