Citizens seek damages, file legal complaints against TLP protests

Rana Bilal Published November 3, 2018

Buses parked at a depot near the railway station on Saturday after roads blockade in the city due to a protest by activists of a religious party. — File Photo

A petition seeking damages for the destruction of public property during protests led by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday.

The protests had broken out across the country after the Supreme Court's verdict on October 30 acquitting Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman previously condemned to death on blasphemy charges.

The petition submitted by citizen Abdullah Malik states that the TLP protests have caused considerable damage to government and public property.

It added that the protection of the lives and wealth of the citizen was the first responsibility of the government and added that not doing so had violated citizens' fundamental rights.

The petition asked the court to issue orders to the Punjab government to compensate for all damage caused to citizens.

Separately, two first information reports (FIRs) were registered in Islamabad's police station against mob violence in the capital city.

The FIRs were registered against more than a hundred people, of which 20 are members of religiopolitical parties.

Those named in the FIRs have been accused of injuring police officials and violating Section 144 of the Criminal Procedures Code, which had been imposed in the capital city ahead of the protests.

Minister for Communications Murad Saeed also promised to bring to justice those who damaged public property, including national highways and motorways.

"The Constitution permits peaceful protests," he said. "[But] under no circumstances can it be allowed to damage public and private property under the garb of protests.

"During two days of protests, the property of National Highways was damaged all over the country. Billions will now have to be spent on repair works. We will identify these miscreants and bring them to justice"

Aasia Bibi

Pakistan

Rana Bilal is a Lahore-based reporter for Dawn News (TV) with over nine years of experience covering legal affairs, justice-sector developments, and environmental issues. He can be found on X at @ranabilaldawn.

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k k tiwari

Nov 03, 2018 01:23pm

Put them behind bars and derecognise such parties

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Kerim

Nov 03, 2018 01:28pm

Without rules and regulations for the expressing their request to government had been made scared to the public and citizens. In this time should made a rules and regulations how to express or demonstrate their requets to Government.

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Bill

Nov 03, 2018 01:28pm

A petition seeking damages for the destruction of public property by protests led by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan was filed while Imran Khan was out of town.

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Hindukush

Nov 03, 2018 01:29pm

All the cost of damages should be recover from this 'so called Allama' Khadim Hussain Rizvi.

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Omer

Nov 03, 2018 01:32pm

Since government has agreed not to prosecute protesters for violence, it should pay for damages to public property

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Farooq Khan

Nov 03, 2018 01:33pm

After a week or so, all young and old responsible for destruction of public and private property be identified and they or their families be made to pay for the losses, or put in jail till they can pay through labour.

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Swiss Neutral

Nov 03, 2018 01:43pm

Unfortunately the government doesn't care about its property damage

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Adil Jadoon

Nov 03, 2018 01:50pm

those causing damage should not be allowed to go free. They must be held accountable.

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Bushra Iqbal

Nov 03, 2018 02:03pm

they will protest against the judgment if it goes against them and cause more damage : (

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Alba

Nov 03, 2018 02:06pm

No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it. -- Theodore Roosevelt

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Zubair

Nov 03, 2018 02:11pm

Ensure the safety and security of general Public and their belongings

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Akram

Nov 03, 2018 02:11pm

good this is the way to make these extremists responsible for their actions.

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Raza

Nov 03, 2018 02:28pm

Put the ministers behind the bar who signed agreement pardoning hooligans of TLP. Shameless PTI and IK.

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Khan

Nov 03, 2018 02:40pm

Arrest the culprits

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Javed

Nov 03, 2018 02:52pm

It is only fair for the government to compensate justly upon provision of proof, as the government itself reiterated responsibility for life and property.

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Javed

Nov 03, 2018 02:54pm

@Bill, what is your point Mr. Bill?

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ExMohajirUK

Nov 03, 2018 02:57pm

Strange that no one has identified foreign agencies behind this madness

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belinda

Nov 03, 2018 03:05pm

More security, and even more security will eat up all the budgets of the government. the loss during agitation and consequent need for more security. Judiciary, army and IK will they be able to find a balance.

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Danish

Nov 03, 2018 03:09pm

Parliament must ban this party and SC must take action against the person who destroyed the economy in country for the past few days.

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AKB

Nov 03, 2018 03:13pm

The citizens should file legal suit and claim the damages otherwise these things will continue and people will have to face more damages in future as these habitual protesters do not loose anything.

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desi dimag

Nov 03, 2018 03:25pm

@Khan, Arrest the culprits Lol, arrested TLP members have been freed by the government and you are asking for their arrest.

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Asif A. Shah

Nov 03, 2018 03:25pm

It is good to see activist citizens seeking redress against TLP and TLP miscreants for the damages to the public and private property, emotional distress to the public and great inconvenience to public at large.

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roidad mamon

Nov 03, 2018 03:27pm

Many videos on social media available that shows identity of the culprits. They will have to compensate what they destroyed, the basic of sharia law.

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D/Flah/Eire

Nov 03, 2018 03:48pm

Hello....Firstly Im not Pakistani and I live in a "Western" country. I have been following this case very closely and I am absolutely amazed that a fine country like yours finds itself in this situation. Every Pakistani I have ever met in my country and abroad has been nothing but respectful and polite. While also being able to discuss all types of topics and issues in a normal, non-confrontational way. I understand religion can be a bit more heated but for the whole country to be held hostage because of a certain comment that was or wasn't made is nothing short of scandalous. Especially considering this started because a fellow human being drank from a cup that other women wanted to use. Im actually sad because it made me lose a little bit of respect for your country. Just my opinion guy/gals. Hope you all have a nice day. :)

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D/Flah/Eire

Nov 03, 2018 03:50pm

Best of luck Pakistan

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Philosopher (From Japan)

Nov 03, 2018 03:54pm

Please stop this complaint-complaint game and let the people take some sigh of relief. If the government is so interested to reimburse the property loses they can be compensated from the government exchequer. I hope you must hear the adage don’t kick the sleeping dog.

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Asif jamil

Nov 03, 2018 03:54pm

We respect the sentiments of minister Murad Saeed, but like the Prime Minister’s speech, this is just hot air. BTW I am PTI supporter.

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True

Nov 03, 2018 03:59pm

TLP protesters should be ashamed of themselves for damaging inncoent people's properties. What sort of Islam they follow?

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Irfan Ahmad

Nov 03, 2018 04:03pm

The government has made a compromise with the TLP. Apparently their leaders are above the law. But their workers can be identified by CCTV and other videos and individually prosecuted as the TLP has disowned the miscreants who caused damage. It is in the interest of the government to identify and take serious action against every single person who has caused damage. Perpetrators should be arrested immediately and charged. They should be made to pay for the damage they have caused. Severe punishment will be a deterrent and will prevent people from smashing cars and burning tyres. And of course, those who have been inciting violence and making statements calling for anarchy also need to be prosecuted. File cases against them. They are not above the law. And they should be held accountable. Peaceful protest should always be allowed. Anyone who was not involved in violence should not be arrested. This will set an example. The writ of the state needs to be made clear.

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Nawaz

Nov 03, 2018 04:32pm

If miscreants and vandals got off scot free, the same situation would happen again if the original decision is upheld by the Supreme court. Govt must compensate for the damage caused to private property.

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Sajjad memon

Nov 03, 2018 04:41pm

Recover from TLP. They owe this to state , failing which TLP and its leadership should be banned for elections. A seperate case for arson attacks and instigating violence should be logged too.

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SSR

Nov 03, 2018 04:55pm

That will the day when something positive comes out of this exercise.

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Amjad Durrani Engineer USA

Nov 03, 2018 05:02pm

A frivilious exercise, another waste of time & public money. The public which was hoodwinked & carried away by IK speech, warning those bent upon creating law and order situation, fizzled out with a whimper when confronted with these religious extremists. It is a very shameful situation for this govt. which acted no different than its predecessor’s handling of Faizabad fiasco.The country already strapped with serious financial crises of not having money to handle its fiscal & current account deficit, has to foot the bill of this holliganism, is outrageous.One gets bogged down to assess the situation where billions were spent on deployment of law enforcement & that too despite this destruction & arson of public & private properties worth billions,happening in front of their eyes, could no be contained in a timely manner.This unfortunate capitulation of the elected govt. to undemocratic forces of religious right, has now opened a new chapter with future unforeseen consequences for us all

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A. B

Nov 03, 2018 05:10pm

This is condemnable no matter looked at from any angle. Govt needs to come up with a comprehensive and effective strategy to curb such tendencies as deteriorating law and order. For instance a number of complaints be launched against protesters in different cities for damaging property and causing injury. And then drag these petitions and the accused for a long time period so that all their energies for future violent protests might be exhausted. Moreover, the government should take a number of other measures to deal with such tendencies among people. For example, it should launch campaigns through media and seminars to educate people and to impart vision, forebearance, and objective thinking among them. Moreover, for the sake of saving next generations from this bigotry and radicslization, the govt needs to pay a special heed to curricula and the manner of teaching and learning in educational institutes. The goal should be instilling objective learning, developing analytical skills.

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Javed

Nov 03, 2018 05:21pm

@k k tiwari, yes ! Well said

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Khanm

Nov 03, 2018 05:27pm

Interesting comments...we have been held hostage...and negotiating with terrorist is a vicious never ending cycle ...we don't negotiate with them...we confiscate what they have to compensate for the losses..

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Najum

Nov 03, 2018 05:31pm

The state has already lost numerous matches against them.

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Amjad Durrani Engineer USA

Nov 03, 2018 05:40pm

@Adil Jadoon, You tell me how? When the govt. has already signed an agreement freeing those held for creating this chaos and anarchy. To expect miracles from this govt. which buckled down so soon without taking any decisive action against these extremists, causing losses worth billions & injuries to law enforcement, is just day dreaming. The weakness of the govt. on this account, despite tall orders made, has already emboldened these forces of destruction & disruption, making all of to be hostage to their violent means of creating fear & uncertainty to the future of the country. We had a golden chance to uphold our constitution & democratic values, but have unfortunately lost it. Now, as these extreme religious right, has found their nuisance value unmatched by the State machinery, we will be sailing in very turbulent water for a considerable time to come. This is sad that incitement attempts of the lower ranks of armed forces & Fatwa against top judge(s) is conveniently condoned of.

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Pakistani

Nov 03, 2018 06:05pm

Govt of Pakistan failed to protect his citizens, they are the one who is accountable and what Police were doing in this time of need?

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Rashid

Nov 03, 2018 06:12pm

Naturally the Gov should be going after TLP for compensation to the Citizens but that is not the proper thing to do under Pakistan Politics.

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Nadia

Nov 03, 2018 06:17pm

Well done good move PTI for handling everything very carefully No relaxation for anyone found involved in destroying properties and hate speeches Bring these so called millahs to courts and make strict charges against them

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Nasir

Nov 03, 2018 06:22pm

If they destroy any property they have to pay for it... Seized their properties until they pay for it. Also they must spend some jail time

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JUDE ALLEN

Nov 03, 2018 06:31pm

Really? We can file a petition? Here in LAWLESS Pakistan? Seriously? Who knew?

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Saeed Khatana

Nov 03, 2018 06:32pm

Minister for Communications Murad Saeed also promised to bring to justice those who damaged public property, including national highways and motorways. WE’LL SEE!!

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M. Saeed Awan

Nov 03, 2018 06:39pm

Register case against Govt. who according to Law is bound to protect life and property of every citizen. The Govt. just tried to save itself not Public.

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Yawar

Nov 03, 2018 06:43pm

Nothing will happen. As time passes, everything will be forgotten. In the end, as always, we will need additional foreign loans resulting in price hikes to pay for our self-inflicted destruction.

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Nov 03, 2018 06:43pm

This will happen over and over again. These people have learned that thepoliticians are gutless. Only hope is CJ outlaws these thugs and confiscate their properties to pay for damages. Also get the poor women out of the country.

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shahzaib

Nov 03, 2018 07:10pm

Government is totally helpless against miscreants that use religious sentiments. Doubtful any damages will be paid.

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Shafiq Shah

Nov 03, 2018 07:15pm

I agree with the lawyer that government should compensate whose properties were damaged by the mob.

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Ahsan Gul

Nov 03, 2018 07:17pm

Governments cannot run if they allow people like TLP to come out on roads as they like. Full prosecution is required against the leaders and the people who damaged properties.

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Asim

Nov 03, 2018 07:18pm

Disgusting compromise of a free citizen's life Sleep well Imran Khan You have no conscience or morally integrity

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Dr.M.M.Khan

Nov 03, 2018 07:23pm

Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country? We are all complicit in what has happened to our beloved country. We stood by and let these so called relgious vigilantas wreck havoc.Classic example of silence of lambs. The writ of the Govt. was challenged and what it do? It indulged into appeasment.

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IKE Khan

Nov 03, 2018 07:24pm

There should be new law that should afford a common citizen to file complaint for civil damages. In that, members of the religious party should be sued to recover damages. The law should also allow attachment of property of the aggressor. Let them loose their properties.

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Pervez

Nov 03, 2018 07:24pm

Please identify the culprits and prosecute them to full extent of the law this should serve a lesson to others.

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Pakistani

Nov 03, 2018 07:37pm

@Bill, What do you mean by this: "A petition seeking damages for the destruction of public property by protests led by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan was filed while Imran Khan was out of town". Does not make any sense. We all need to think positively.

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FIDA SAYANI

Nov 03, 2018 08:15pm

Failure of PTI Government to protect the Properties of the Common citizens of Pakistan, makes it appropriate that PTI should compensate the citizens affected.

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M. Mushtaq Ahmed

Nov 03, 2018 08:38pm

There are so many video clips that can be used to arrest those who damaged public and private property. You can see some juveniles were forefront in causing lot of damage. Parents of such juveniles must be billed for the damages. Right of protest doesn’t allow destruction of any property. Furthermore those who delivered speeches leading to such distraction must held to account.

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THE MORNING STAR

Nov 03, 2018 08:58pm

Refreshing to see young Murad Saeed point to the right direction.

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three star company inc

Nov 03, 2018 09:01pm

But what about the agreement,signed between these elements and Govt,which is just opposite?Same Drama was played by Co-sponsor of labak party in Faizabad Derna.Ultimately Govt has to compensate the loss.

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Nov 03, 2018 09:42pm

The government is scared chicken, after return of IK, I wouldn't be surprised if the petition seeking damages may be dropped.

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fakenews

Nov 04, 2018 02:55am

@Pakistani, that's what I said!!

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Ahsan Gul

Nov 04, 2018 04:28am

@Dr.M.M.Khan, - after using president Kennedy's quotation you must have put his name in pranthesis ().

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