MUZAFFARABAD: Police broke up a peaceful demonstration of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) here in the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday, resorting to baton charge and briefly detaining activists.

The PTI supporters, including women, had gathered at the Burhan Wani Chowk in response to a call by Barrister Sultan Mahmood, the party’s regional president, to demand resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the wake of the Supreme Court’s judgement in the Panama Papers case.

They chanted slogans against Mr Sharif. “Thank you, Supreme Court,” “Goodbye, corrupt PM,” they shouted.

As the PTI leaders started making speeches, police swung into action, using batons to disperse the PTI workers.

Member of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Majid Khan, former presidential adviser Sardar Tabarak Ali and senior leader Jawwad Ali Gillani were among more than a dozen PTI activists taken into custody.

Police said they took action because the gathering was held in violation of Section 144 of the CrPC.

The PTI leaders complained that the Pakistan Muslim League-N had been allowed to hold a rally at the same place on April 20 to celebrate the court’s verdict.

The detainees were, however, released after two and a half hours.

Addressing a press conference after his release, Majid Khan announced that he would table a privilege motion in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday to discuss the situation prevailing in India-held Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.