Lawyers, police engage in violent confrontations outside LHC

Lawyers protesting outside the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the division of courts and withdrawal of seven Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) cases clashed with police on Wednesday.

According to the police, the rally, organised by the Lahore Bar Association, began at Aiwan-e-Adl and reached the LHC.

The protest escalated when lawyers attempted to breach barricades and enter the court building, leading to clashes with police.

The lawyers reportedly pelted stones at the cops, which resulted in heavy clashes and several arrests.

To control the situation, additional police and riot control forces were deployed.

The law enforcement force resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charges to disperse the lawyers, leaving many injured.

Negotiations between police and lawyers were initiated later, leading to a temporary halt in shelling.

However, the talks proved unsuccessful, and police resumed baton charges at GPO Chowk.

The clash also caused a partial closure of the GPO station on the Lahore Orange Line Train. 

Station management assured the public that the station would reopen once the situation normalised.

In an interview with a local newspaper, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations, Faisal Kamran, confirmed injuries to an SHO (Station House Officer) and a constable.

Senior Superintendent of Police Operations, Ali Raza, reported that seven officers, including Superintendent of Police Model Town, Akhlaqullah Tarar, were injured during the incident.

The injured officers received medical attention at a nearby hospital.

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, urged the provincial police chief to avoid using force against the lawyers. 

She emphasised the need for an amicable resolution between the lawyers and the Lahore High Court, stressing on reducing tension for the safety of citizens.