LAHORE: Police and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers clashed in Lahore after barricades were removed from near the Minhajul Quran Secretariat.
A large contingent of police was deployed to the area near the Minhajul Quran Secretariat and sporadically clashed with PAT workers. According to reports a police bus has been seized by PAT workers.
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Dr Qadri is encouraging his workers to commit murder, says Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashood. He adds Qadri is trying to divert attention from Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Independence Day. According to Mashood a SHO is among seven policemen injured in the clashes.
The provincial law minister further says a treason case will be lodged against Dr Qadri.
Young Doctors close emergency ward of Jinnah Hospital, refuse to work.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif says everyone is responsible for defusing the situation
20:20: Punjab government says Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has not issued any orders to arrest Dr Tahirul Qadri nor has a decision in this regard been taken.
Dr Tahirul Qadri can be arrested anytime: Sources
Three injured policemen shifted to Jinnah Hospital
PAT workers have taken policemen hostage on board the police bus.
Police use tear gas to disperse PAT workers
PTA workers are prepared to clash with police.
Female police officers deployed to Faisal Town in Lahore
Video
Background Earlier, PAT workers had removed barricades placed near Jinnah Hospital which blocked the road leading to the Minhajul Quran Secretariat. TV footage showed hundreds of PAT workers armed with sticks coming onto the streets and removing barricades placed in the area. A crane was also used to remove containers which had been placed as barricades. The workers also pelted stones and threatened the police. The barricades had been placed by the Punjab government as a security measure ahead of the PAT Youm-e-Shuda scheduled for August 10. During an earlier meeting the Punjab government also took decisions to partially suspend mobile phone service in Lahore and sent a notice to Minhaj-ul-Quran officials to vacate grounds surrounding the secretariat.
