LAHORE, March 16: Police on Thursday arrested 25 leaders and activists of religious parties to thwart their bid to hold a conference on the cartoons issue. SSP (operations) Aamir Zulfiqar said some religious groups headed by Hizbul Hannaf chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Rizvi had convened the conference at the Data Sahib shrine. The conveners of the conference had intentions to disturb the law and order, he added.

The SSP said the religious leaders had gathered outside the shrine when they were arrested by the police. A total 25 leaders and activists were arrested and sent to different lock-ups. Cases under MPO 16 and on charges of attempt to disturb law and order have been registered against them, he SSP Zulfiqar said. — Staff Reporter