Lahore (Web Desk): A violent protest led by a religious group erupted in Lahore, causing widespread disruption and putting citizens in significant distress.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, DIG Operations Lahore, Muhammad Faisal Kamran, unfolding the situation, said that the protest, which initially began as a demonstration, quickly escalated into violent clashes, leading to severe traffic jams and chaos across the city.
He said that armed protesters took to the streets, engaging in vandalism, damaging properties, and launching attacks on law enforcement officers.
The DIG stated that the police had made every attempt to resolve the matter through dialogue and peaceful negotiation. However, despite these efforts, the protesters chose to escalate the situation by resorting to violence.
Kamran confirmed that several police officers and personnel were injured in the violent skirmishes, and significant damage was caused to public service vehicles, including those of Rescue 1122 and WASA.
He pointed out that the attacks on police stations further exacerbated the violence, with protestors targeting government facilities and the forces trying to maintain law and order.
One of the most concerning aspects of the protest, according to the DIG, was its direct impact on ordinary citizens. Public transportation was severely disrupted, businesses were forced to shut down, and routine life came to a standstill.
He emphasized that the protests, though politically or religiously motivated, had a widespread impact on everyday people, who were caught in the crossfire between the police and protesters.
Faisal Kamran made it clear that despite the aggression from the protesters, the police force would continue to fulfill its primary responsibility of protecting the state of Pakistan and its citizens.
He reassured the public that the law enforcement agencies would take all necessary steps to maintain order and ensure that the security of the people remained a top priority.