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