Dozens of supporters of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) took to streets countrywide, burning tyres and blocking traffic in protest over the martyrdom of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, a private TV channel reported on Tuesday.
According to details, protests broke out in Lahore, where PPP workers chanted slogans in support of the party, burned tyres and blocked traffic on The Mall, witnesses said. Shops were closed in most parts of the city, where people descended on Taseer’s residence to mourn his death. At least three people were injured in firing incidents in Badami Bagh area of Lahore. All cinemas and theatres were also abruptly closed after the assassination. Markets and shops were shut down at The Mall soon after his assassination, the channel reported.
Qaumi Tajir Ittehad (QTI) Chairman Safdar Ali Butt said the killing of the governor was highly condemnable. He said the Punjab governor was a true Muslim and lover of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said that it was the murder of the freedom of expression in the country, adding that it was a cruel act perpetrated by terrorists who wanted to destabilise the country and its economy.
Police have been put on red alert in Gujranwala to avert any untoward incident. Enraged protestors raised anti-Punjab government slogans and demanded a proper inquiry into the incident. GT Road also remained closed for several hours. In Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Muridke, Sheikhupura, Sialkot and in other big cities of the country protesters torched tyres and raised slogans over the incident, the channel said.
An air of panic permeated in other provinces as soon as the news regarding the assassination of Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer broke out. Reports of violent protests poured in from various parts of the country, as commercial centres and business hubs were closed down. Commercial activities were halted in Karachi as well. Enraged citizens turned out on the Sharah-e-Faisal and protested against the killing. Following reports of ransacking by enraged PPP workers, security has been put on high alert in the city.
In Multan, students of the People’s Students Federation staged a demonstration at the Bahauddin Zakariya University to condemn the assassination of the governor.
Source: Daily Times
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