Police baton-charges blind protesters in Lahore, several injured
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LAHORE: In a shocking act of violence, blind protesters were badly beaten by baton-wielding police in Lahore on Wednesday, DawnNews reported.
Protesters were staging a rally on Davis Road to advocate for their rights in view of World Disability Day, when they were were beaten by the police.
In an attempt to prevent the protesters from marching towards the Chief Minister Secretariat, mayhem ensued as police resorted to baton-charging as a result of which several protesters were injured. One of the injured persons was shifted to a hospital.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) member Abrarul Haq said the violence inflicted on blind protesters was condemnable, adding that his party would come out on the roads in protest against the violence.
This is not the first incident of its kind in the provincial capital. In June, at least 11 Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers were killed and over 100 people were injured during a clash with police personnel in Lahore.
Take a look: Youth, women among seven killed in PAT supporters' clash with police
The clash occurred when the administration reportedly tried to remove some barriers from roads around the place. The police action near Tahirul Qadri's Minhajul Quran Secretariat was widely condemned.
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On DawnNews
Comments (107) Closed
Dec 03, 2014 04:30pm
Justice prevails everywhere...tough administration like this is always mandatory to maintain stability in the region...well done
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Dec 03, 2014 04:32pm
This is ridiculously disgusting.
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Dec 03, 2014 04:37pm
Brutal response towards public by authorities. Another presentation to protect "DEMOCRACY".
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Dec 03, 2014 04:37pm
Such an act of 'Bravery' .... Wow !!!!!
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Dec 03, 2014 04:42pm
The beautiful face of democracy!!! Save democracy!! blind folk are asking for there rights and DEMOCRACY is beating them up!! No mercy no
humanity!! Why shall we care about them, long live democracy, cause democracy comes with Landcruisers, Villas, health care in Europe, education for our children in Europe, shopping in Dubai etc. save democracy!!
I m ashame on my self to be human after reading this!!
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Dec 03, 2014 04:43pm
This is shameless.
The government is sinking lower and lower each day.
Attacking special people, this is what the PMLN govt has come to now.
Would this happen in any real 'democracy'?
You might not support IK, but if you still support Nawaz Sharif, Shame on you!
Go Nawaz Go!
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Dec 03, 2014 04:47pm
nobody goes near the official residence of the Shareef khandan.
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Dec 03, 2014 04:49pm
The only thing that is Blind is the punjab government. They do not see the injustice.
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Dec 03, 2014 04:50pm
The violence inflicted upon the people with disabilities should be condemned and culprits should be brought to book.
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Dec 03, 2014 04:54pm
We stand up for leaders. We stand up for Gullus. We stand up for Salman Taseer. We stand up for Salman Taseer's Murderer's life sentence. We stand up for anything but we never stand up for the people with other abilities.
No matter what government, what era, what politics this country went through, disabled has been bleeding here for centuries.
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Dec 03, 2014 04:54pm
Its hard to imagine how Punjab police can sink any lower than the point it has already reached - but they seem to take this statement as a challenge and shock us with a new low every time
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Dec 03, 2014 04:55pm
Only one police in the world is worse than criminals-Shabbaz sharifs Punjab Police.
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Dec 03, 2014 04:59pm
what damn justification can be given for this madness. Come on these were blind protesters, what if they had reach the CM house? The CM should have personally met those disabled people but we know Khadim e aala is Mughal e Aala. Pity
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Dec 03, 2014 05:00pm
Dont know what to say on this blindness!!
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Dec 03, 2014 05:00pm
What a shame. ......blind people are not even spared from police brutality
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Dec 03, 2014 05:01pm
They can only beat weak persons. When faced with real dacoits they hide under the bed.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:03pm
whatever you do,do know that you will face your karma one day.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:04pm
Need more evidence of brutality of "Great Punjab Police Force"?
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Dec 03, 2014 05:08pm
Baton charged the Blinds? Govt gone nuts!
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Dec 03, 2014 05:09pm
Dharna frustration taken out on blind people...next news flash Shahbaz Sharif takes notice, forms committee, suspends DPO and that's it
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Dec 03, 2014 05:12pm
Police beating blind unarmed innocent protestors -SHAME, SHAME, SHAME! Did PM and CM of Punjab took "note" of it?
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Dec 03, 2014 05:23pm
Shameful..CM will now order inquiry ...this is good governance
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Dec 03, 2014 05:27pm
Shame shame shame..Punjab police has become a symbols of inhumanity and brutality. .shame on Punjab police shame on Punjab govt.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:27pm
Shame on Punjab Government! A notice will be taken. An inquiry will be called and there would be no result. I think, the protesters are lucky. They were not killed by the police for raising their voices against injustice which is now the norm of our soceity. So sad ...
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Dec 03, 2014 05:33pm
I would like to hear how PML-N apologists spin this story.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:35pm
SS will take notice and add this latest notice to an already long list of useless notices.
This is what happens when you treat state institutions as your personal property and appoint officers not based on merit, but loyalty. Seriously, all Pakistani state institutions, barring military, are on a downward spiral because of an unprofessional approach by politicians and babus (bureaucrats). No wonder Pakistan is a 'fast-failing' state.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:36pm
Punjab Police is only protecting Sharif family. The common man has to take care of his protection himself.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:37pm
Shame on Punjab Police on this act....They are showing their real face.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:41pm
Unbelievable...
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Dec 03, 2014 05:48pm
Thumbs down to Police and provincial govt.
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Dec 03, 2014 05:51pm
True face of "democracy" and true face of Sharif dynasty
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Dec 03, 2014 05:54pm
hence proved law is blind
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Dec 03, 2014 05:54pm
Imagine the post injury of a blind person, doing the daily chores with the injured body.
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Dec 03, 2014 06:05pm
NS and Shabaz should take note. It is presenting a negative picture of the ruling party. 3rd December is the international day for the people with disability. Shahabaz would have graced the rally by participating in it. The harrassment of the unarmed civilian is a stigma on the character of Punjab police and PML N.
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Dec 03, 2014 06:09pm
This is insanity by the Police. This makes me wonder as to who in fact was the blind between the two confronting parties.
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Dec 03, 2014 06:17pm
Now what our judges will do ask the blind person do you recognize the culprit ? NO SIR WE DON'T.
NO Evidence....
CASE CLOSED !!!
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Dec 03, 2014 06:21pm
Andha Qanoon
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Dec 03, 2014 06:24pm
Yet again the cruel Punjab Police was at its worst. The actions clearly reflect the mindset and leadership of the police. At he end of the day, it really does not matter, because there will be apologies, suspensions and everyone will forget about it till the time another breaking news of similar nature will get our attention, etc.
Fear of God and justice seem a far distant concern for the nation.
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Dec 03, 2014 06:28pm
This is another reason we need bring changes in government. Police of Punjab is only protecting VIP. CM have to fire all police force & replace them with honest and qualify police. Because of this incident Pakistan reputation have been tarnished in all over the world. Act of Punjab police is like savage animals.
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Dec 03, 2014 06:31pm
What a great tragedy?
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Dec 03, 2014 06:31pm
Shame on Police for beating up blind people. The government should show some compassion & deal with the issues of the blind people. They have a huge disability & it is the responsibility of the government & the entire nation to help them with improving their quality of life.
Nations are judged by how they treat & look after the most vulnerable among them. They need support & should not be mistreated by the government & police.
Shame on police & the government. The police officer responsible for this action should be reprimanded.
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Dec 03, 2014 06:39pm
Any anti government movement should be controlled in this way ..I think ik also deserves this kind of treatment to stop him from creating destruction to the region
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Dec 03, 2014 06:46pm
Shame to fake democracy.....they cannot tolerate blind protestors..
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Dec 03, 2014 06:50pm
Shamefull act!!!! This is what this democracy is giving us!!!
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Dec 03, 2014 06:58pm
Thank you Dawn for highlighting this. This is utterly shameful. I feel embarrassed and disgusted.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:09pm
Blind police force of blind government. Shameful!
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Dec 03, 2014 07:13pm
I never thought that Punjab Govt/ Police could sink any lower than they already have. Today I am proven wrong as they sunk even below their own low standards of decency. Am truly ashamed today.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:21pm
Where is Human Rights Champion Asma Jehangir.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:34pm
A highly shameful and brutal act of Lahore police. This is the worst part of Punjab government. Lahore police is smudge on face of Punjab.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:40pm
How can anyone do that ???? How can anyone even think about doing this ??? We must help them and no such thing should ever happen in any society again.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:41pm
A few-thousand strong mob around the secretariat and no action, but a few disabled persons near the CM house and Shahbaz Sharif sends out his gullu butts. Isn't it the democratic right of citizens to walk past a civil servant's official residence?
At one end PMK-N claims that they still have popular support and majority, and at another end they show cowardice and insecurity.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:43pm
Ah, what can we say! we people have neither Islamic virtues of respect nor have general ethical standard to provide special attention to these people. They are totally ignored and socially isolated. What other nations facilitate them, you cannot imagine. From social services to access to employment is obviously exemplary. Here in the UK we can see their law is implemented in its full spirit. These people have respect and preference in every walk of life. The Equality Act 2010 protects them and covers of their recruitment, employment, redundancy, etc. Even selection process for redundancy is maintained to be fair and balanced for all employees. Similarly, The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 does give them not to be discriminated against access to everyday life services. Likewise, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities for a reason related to their disability.
Now compare our police and their bosses. If they themselves do not understand the rights of a citizen of Pakistan how can we expect any good from their side. Please stand up against these exploiters who have corrupted and ruined the whole social setup of our country.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:52pm
PMLN Gullus at work again
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Dec 03, 2014 07:55pm
These blind protesters have better vision than PML-N supporters.
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Dec 03, 2014 07:57pm
For people like us, ignorant and foolish that we are, will ignore this incident as always.
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Dec 03, 2014 08:31pm
One wonders who the blind ones are ---- the people who cannot see or those blinded by fear or lust?Is the faith of the policemen so weak that they will hit blind people in the interest of protecting their jobs?
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Dec 03, 2014 08:43pm
I like to see the names published of DPO, SP, DIG and IG who ordered the police to baton charge the crowd with disabilities.
I guess poor, weaker and people with disabilities have no right to live in Pakistan.
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Dec 03, 2014 09:06pm
Chief Minister of Punjab should resign. I am ashamed to be a Pakistani. Sharam Karo.
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Dec 03, 2014 09:19pm
So who is blind here? I believe Punjab Police and Punjab government!
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Dec 03, 2014 09:36pm
as usual judicial commission will be made to probe the incident and report will never be made public, all responsible person as per the inquiry report will get promoted..............this is how justice is serve in NS and SS reign
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Dec 03, 2014 09:36pm
@waar you should be ashamed of yourself, justice is supposed to be served in courts with the accused having the right to defend themselves. Not on the streets with baton charging by someone's personal police force.
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Dec 03, 2014 09:57pm
Let me try to help CM and his Gullu butts understand what Blind means.
My Dear CM: Blind means people who cannot see. This means that blind people cannot see where the baton swing is coming from, they cannot protect themselves. They are venerable. In other countries; people with handicap like Blind people have rights. May God give you some guidance.
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Dec 03, 2014 10:10pm
Absolutely disgusting reaction of the government. It shows only how frightened they are of any protest. Or is it the government's new strategy to drive all defenseless people into the arms of the PTI?
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Dec 03, 2014 11:06pm
Sheer stupidity of Shabaz clan beating blinds! Don't they have right to protest in your style of democracy?
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Dec 03, 2014 11:23pm
Although i am a strong supporter of maintenance of law and order by the government agencies but this is disgusting. What threat could blind people pose? They were just asking for their rights which are no doubt denied by the public and government alike. Shameful, whoever ordered this action should apologize to the community of disabled people. Shameful act by the government!!!
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Dec 03, 2014 11:37pm
Shocked to see such inhuman and horrific acts by the so called "Muhafiz" of the state. I lost words to describe my feelings......
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Dec 03, 2014 11:39pm
Any Pakistani with conscious, empathy and humanity would like to see officials responsible of the brutality on Blind people in Lahore must be dismissed immediately, no more Police investigating police and no more fake commission headed b some Judge.
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Dec 03, 2014 11:42pm
Extreme shameful act, the SSP of Lahore should resign right away.
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Dec 03, 2014 11:44pm
How low will we get. For God's sake, why do we not rise up and side with those who stand against this kind Pharaoic actions. Why do we not rise to bring the shameful perpetrators down to dust? When will it happen? Have we become so insensitive that this kind of disrespect to some people who have not been blessed with the same gift as we are goes unnoticed.
Those who inflicted the injuries and those who ordered the injuries tio be inflicted should be brought out in public and punishment handed in public and dismissed from public service.
Nothing surpasses in despicability than this action by the Lahore lawmen!
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Dec 03, 2014 11:52pm
Who will stop such brutalities??
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Dec 03, 2014 11:53pm
@waar Your comment is just as insensitive and disgusting as the act itself. I pray no one in your family is or will ever be in the same category as these poor handicapped people who suffered the physical punishment from the heartless police!
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Dec 04, 2014 12:24am
Seems like police are more blind than those who were born blind. Reminds me of an era when people buried their new born daughters alive. People who were protesting don't have the sense of sight and thus they are blind. On the other hand, Punjab policemen have eyes, but their hears are blind for which there is no treatment.
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Dec 04, 2014 12:55am
Even no military dictatorship in the world can match it.
Even former USSR can't match it.
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Dec 04, 2014 12:59am
I urge PTI to raise voice on behalf of the eyeless against this tyranny. I guarantee I will come on roads.
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Dec 04, 2014 01:00am
@waar What you talking about justice??? This is an absolute disgrace. This is shameful and beyond my comprehension. Is this democracy? How can you have democracy when you don't have humanity.
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Dec 04, 2014 01:09am
The police are not imported from abroad - they are from among us and represent the psyche of our nation. People keep on banging about corruption in elites while even a fruit seller will swindle you in Pakistan. This dishonesty is ingrained in our nation since childhood.
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Dec 04, 2014 01:10am
@Tughral T Ali
Brother u r right! Tears are coming to my eyes! My poor brothers pushed and beaten. Justice will prevail
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Dec 04, 2014 01:22am
@Hiwad What democracy has to do with inhuman acts by some police. They should be held responsible.
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Dec 04, 2014 01:42am
Who are blind those poor protesters or the police ?
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Dec 04, 2014 01:57am
I have read the article - I have read the comments. Is there anyone to tell me that how the blind persons managed to gather and march towards the CM secretariat ? Who was guiding them ? Can they read the google maps ? Is there any Confucius out there to explain ?
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Dec 04, 2014 02:01am
I am in south Africa and it was headline in south Africa and international. Shame on us
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Dec 04, 2014 02:12am
@ghanshyam
Totally agree with you Ghanshyam.
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Dec 04, 2014 03:20am
Any humanity left in Pakistan ?
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Dec 04, 2014 03:20am
Shocking how Punjab police in Lahore attacked the visually-challenged people's rally. They were only demanding their right to employment. Outrageous how Punjab police justify the attack by saying the President had to pass so road had to be cleared. Unacceptable VIP culture!
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Dec 04, 2014 04:24am
What a shame!
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Dec 04, 2014 04:45am
Had this happened in India, media would have gone in a frenzy and the police would've been taken to task. Unfortunately, Pakistan does not value human lives as much!
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Dec 04, 2014 04:57am
No wonder so many people are leaving Pakistan. I have been out if Pakistan for a number of years and continuously defend our beloved countries in discussions but I think there is nothing left to defend.
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Dec 04, 2014 05:29am
This is what you get under zar and shar.
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Dec 04, 2014 06:15am
This is the difference between Kp police and Punjab police. Thank God i live in Kp people who know what's good for them and the region. Feeling so proud today but one thing that will pinch me would be the rest of pakistan my people who would suffer for another 2 years. God protect them!!!!
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Dec 04, 2014 06:50am
I as a Pakistani feel ashamed - in the first place we have no considerations for these disabled members of the society and then on top of it government machinery is mercilessly used to suppress the deprived public. Shame on whole system which is not able to protect disabled.
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Dec 04, 2014 07:19am
Gullu Butts in action....Thank God they dint kill anyone...Save Democracy but not the people
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Dec 04, 2014 07:50am
Who live in Pakistan?
The dream of dr Iqbal?
The mission of Qusid?
Police in police state
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Dec 04, 2014 08:10am
@waar Are you out of your mind. Beating up blind people is maintaining stability to you. I am sorry but youre a fool of first order.
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Dec 04, 2014 08:24am
I have a question here. SHOULD A BLIND PERSON OR ANY OTHER HANDICAPPED CITIZEN CAN BE ALLOWED TO BREAK THE LAW. Most of us don`t know what was the actual situation in which Police was compelled to do it. We are just BLINDLY blaming the authorities by neglecting the fact that the law is equal for everyone.
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Dec 04, 2014 08:40am
How low they can go? What else they can get away with?
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Dec 04, 2014 09:26am
@Confused you are rightly confused.
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Dec 04, 2014 09:28am
What else can we expect from Punjab Police? Their name should be changed to Brutal Guard for Elites and their salary bills should be paid by Sharif family. Ordinary people don't have any right to be protected in Punjab.
Great performance by Punjab Government after Model Town Incident. Well done. World is really appreciating how professional Punjab government and police are.
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Dec 04, 2014 09:47am
Shame Pmln shame. Dunya main badnaam kr diya hamain
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Dec 04, 2014 09:53am
This is such a shameful act again by Punjab Police. I guess Punjab govt high ups are sleeping. Baton charge on blind people protesting for their due rights is barbaric and highly condemn able. Shame !!!
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Dec 04, 2014 10:15am
Parliament is busy in maintaining democracy'.....Shame on all... Now the JIT will be made with no use and CM will say I will resign if culprits are not brought to justice. This is will go on and on and on forever...
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Dec 04, 2014 10:18am
seems to me India & Pakistan are equal when we talk about Police.
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Dec 04, 2014 10:27am
arrogance of a Blind government
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Dec 04, 2014 10:30am
@Confused Next thing you would ask is how are they alive, right ?! Just stop thinking!
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Dec 04, 2014 10:35am
@waar: Are you serious?
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Dec 04, 2014 10:44am
Worst example of brutality.
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Dec 04, 2014 10:46am
Just hate this so called Democracy.
The govt has responsibility to take care of special persons. The responsible minister should resign on this incident.
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Dec 04, 2014 11:26am
and the cycle repeats itself, police brutality followed by superficial measures like suspension. The issue dies down and the responsible go free till such next episode.
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