LAHORE: The United Democratic Front will launch a nationwide movement “in a manner suiting the situation” if the fundamental rights of the people and civil liberties are not restored … by Aug 24 next and if curbs on freedom of expression under Section 144 are not removed after the enforcement of the Permanent Constitution, it was announced … today [July 30].

The Action Committee has further fixed Aug 14 next as the deadline for the acceptance of its seven-fold demand by the Head of State. Therefore, the UDF and the parties included in it will not hold any political negotiations with the ruling party. The decisions were taken by the UDF Action Committee at the concluding session of its meeting here today with its President, Pir Pagaro, in the chair. — News agencies [Meanwhile, as reported by our staff reporter from Karachi,] the trouble which erupted in Liaquatabad two days ago spread to two more localities of the City — Golimar and Nazimabad. … Over 35 persons were injured and an equal number of people were hauled up by the police during the day-long clashes. Angry crowds at Chowrangi yesterday burnt a KMC meat Van, smashed window- panes of the Habib Bank branch and ransacked the National bank branch.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2023