LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on Saturday announced that his party and supporters would be observing Youm-i-Shuhada on August 10 and would be holding sit-ins across the country.
Speaking to media representatives in Lahore, Qadri said the rulers were willing to harm the country to any degree in order to safeguard their own government.
Qadri claimed that seven of his supporters had been killed in "straight firing" from the police. However, his claims could not be confirmed.
He said the government had crossed the limits of tyranny and the people were on the receiving end.
Qadri said the government was so cruel that it was not letting PAT workers carry those wounded in clashes with law enforcement personnel to hospitals for treatment.
The PAT chief said the government had closed the borders linking Punjab to Sindh and Balochistan and was taking all measures at its disposal against his party.
Qadri advised his supporters travelling from different towns and villages to stay put and hold sit-ins and demonstrations at their current venues instead of marching towards Lahore and endangering their security.
He also accused the government of cutting of "food and water supplies from Model Town", which he claimed was being done to "starve the workers" of his party.
Earlier today, At least one PAT worker died in Punjab's Multan district after succumbing to his injuries sustained during a clash in Bhakkar with members of law enforcement agencies.
Two companies of Rangers arrive in Lahore
Two companies of Rangers have been stationed in Lahore to maintain law and order in the city and its outer areas in the backdrop of PAT's Youm-i-Shuhada.
The Rangers have been mandated to assist the police and district administration in maintaining law and order.
The paramilitary force was sent to the district following a request from the administration — one company has been designated security duties for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Jati Umra residence and the second is currently stationed at Qadhafi stadium and is on standby.
The remaining two companies slated to be posted in the district will be brought in any time.
The government had initially recommended that 10 companies be posted in Lahore. However, eventually the administration and the Rangers authorities had agreed that four companies would be brought in.
PAT worker injured in Bhakkar clash dies
At least one PAT worker died in Punjab's Multan district after succumbing to his injuries sustained during a clash in Bhakkar with members of law enforcement agencies.
The PAT worker was injured in Bhakkar and was shifted to Multan's Nishtar Hospital where he died.
A number of policemen were reportedly injured in clashes with Awami Tehrik workers across Punjab.
55 policemen injured in Gujranwala clash
At least 55 policemen were injured in clashes with PAT workers in Gujranwala and were being provided medical treatment in the district headquarters hospital.
Eight out of the 55 injured were in a critical condition.
The injured policemen include high-ranking police officials.
After the clash, the Awami Tehrik workers set off for Lahore for the August 10 Youm-i-Shuhada. The workers also left a trail of vehicles set ablaze.
A PAT official also claimed that at least one female worker died and 16 other party members were injured due to firing.
The clashes started when workers faced obstacles on their way on Qila Chand Bypass, Toll plaza, Aimenabad turn and Sadhuki where police personnel had placed containers to block the way.
During the movement, a clash erupted between policemen and PAT workers with policemen firing tear gas shells and baton-charging Qadri’s supporters.
Protestors broke windows and damaged vehicles of police and set motorcycles on fire.
Three policemen briefly taken hostage by PAT workers in Lahore
Three policemen were briefly taken hostage by PAT workers in Lahore on Saturday.
At the time, the Awami Tehrik workers had said that they will take more policemen hostage if “provoked” and demanded the release of their arrested colleagues in exchange for the policemen. .
The personnel who were in custody of PAT members said they were going to their duty points when Awami Tehrik workers ambushed them, snatching away their arms as well as other possessions.
The policemen were released in a couple of hours.
15 policemen taken hostage in Jhelum
Moreover, in Jhelum's Pind Dadan Khan town, PAT workers were holding 15 police personnel hostage following a clash.
The policemen were taken hostage after the workers thwarted the barriers fixed to restrict their movement in the area.
