ISLAMABAD: Over 150 policemen and activists of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) were injured during clashes on Monday.

Apparently, the government’s instruction to the police not to deal with PAT activists harshly helped the latter to manhandle the officials and reach the airport. Early in the morning, police personnel in riot gear reached Koral Chowk to take action against the PAT supporters. However, the authorities concerned did not allow the police to use force against the activists.

Clashes erupted when the PAT supporters while going towards the airport found hurdles placed on I.J. Principal Road near I-9 at about 2am. The activists tried to remove the blockades and clashed with the police. In response, the police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells. The activists succeeded in removing the hurdles near I-10, Faizabad, Khana Bridge and Koral.

The police unsuccessfully tried to intercept the activists at Faizabad, Khana Bridge and later at Koral Chowk. The PAT workers staged a sit-in at Koral Chowk and also offered Fajr prayers there.

When the police tried to disperse them, a scuffle erupted.

Published in Dawn, June 24th , 2014