LAHORE: Tension gripped Kahna area when a physical clash broke out between police and lawyers on Sunday night during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive, leaving several men from both sides injured.

Following the brawl, dozens of lawyers and a heavy contingent of police force from nearby police stations rushed to the scene. Later, the police took into custody some lawyers.

On being informed of the incident, senior police officers, including Lahore Operations SSP and Model Town Division SP also reached there, besides some senior lawyers, including members of Punjab Bar Council and some office-bearers of the district bar.Initial reports suggested that some suspects had attacked the district government officials during an anti-encroachment operation launched at the Chaddu village of Kahna to retrieve illegally-occupied land.

The police arrested seven locals and took them to the police station for registering cases against them.

Meanwhile, some lawyers also reached there to support the arrested suspects, a police official said, adding that following heated arguments the lawyers attacked and injured Industrial Area police post in charge.

Given emergency situation, a heavy contingent of the police was immediately called on the spot.

The situation worsened when men from both sides again scuffled.

Police high-ups and senior lawyers were present in Kahna area to hold negotiations with no breakthrough in sight so far.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2025