LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-N supporters on Friday evening came face to face almost leading to a clash as the PML-N took out a pro-democracy and pro-PM rally at Lalik Chowk, Defence, where the PTI supporters were holding a sit-in for the fourth consecutive day.

The clash, however, was averted when a heavy contingent of police intervened and did not allow both the parties to come closer.

PML-N Lahore President Pervaiz Malik asked his party workers to remain peaceful and disperse to avert any clash. He also told his party workers that the PML-N did not want any clash that could be damaging for the country.

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The supporters of both the parties, however, exchanged rounds of slogans. The PTI supporters were chanting slogans, “Go Nawaz Go” and “Imran Terey Jan Nisaar – Beshumaar Beshumaar”.

The PML-N supporters chanted slogans: “Go Imran Go” and “Qadam Barhaao Nawaz Sharif – Hum Tumhaarey Saath Hein”. The PTI supporters, comprising residents of Defence Housing Authority (DHA), began their protest demonstration at around 5pm while the PML-N supports reached there at around 8.30pm. A large number of women and families are also participating in the PTI’s sit-in, which is growing in number every passing day.

PML-N workers hold a counter-demonstration at Liberty Roundabout in favour of the government . — APP

The PTI supporters, talking to Dawn, said the PML-N was trying to initiate a clash despite the fact that PTI’s sit-in was peaceful and had got formal permission from the police concerned. They said the PML-N supporters had “purposely” come towards Lalik Chowk, adding that they had come in 20 to 25 vehicles and went away after seeing a large crowed at PTI’s sit-in.

Talking to Dawn, Moeezuddin Farid, organizer of the protest, said the enthusiasm and number of people were increasing manifold at the sit-in. He said the sit-in participants were chanting slogans even late in the night at 11.15pm.

Mr Farid said many PTI workers and supporters wanted to go to Islamabad to participate in the main sit-in on the call of Imran Khan but the police were blocking them. He said some busses carrying party supporters had just been sent to Islamabad. On the other hand, he said, those unable to go to Islamabad were coming to Lalik Chowk to express solidarity with the PTI protest. He said all the participants were demanding that the prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation and free and fair elections in the country.

PTI leader and singer Abrarul Haq also addressed the Lalik Chowk sit-in participants and conveyed Imran Khan’s message that maximum number of people should reach Islamabad as the upcoming Sunday would be crucial for the party’s movement.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2014