ISLAMABAD: Members of the civil society on Tuesday gathered in front of the National Press Club (NPC) to record their protest against the storming of Pakistan Television (PTV) building by the workers of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Monday.

The protesters not only damaged furniture and television equipment but forced the staff to take PTV News and PTV World off the air.

Also read: PTI, PAT protesters storm PTV headquarters

Protesters also took away rare pictures, food items from canteen and even the sound system from the building’s mosque.

The protest at NPC was organised by ‘Students for Democracy’, a social media group.

Protesters were of the view that participants of the sit-ins had no right to enter the state buildings. They were carrying placards inscribed with slogans in favour of peaceful protests.

Imaan Hazir Mazari, the daughter of Shireen Mazari, while talking to Dawn said that every one had the right to hold protest but it should be peaceful.

“Those who entered the building have violated the rules because they were not allowed to enter the state buildings,” she said.

“It is our duty to strengthen the Parliament and not to attack it. I am not in favour of violent protests,” she said.

Replying to a question, she said her mother had no objection to her participating in the protest. Mohammad Bin Majid, another participant of the demonstration, said it was a matter of concern that violence had overcome peaceful protests.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2014