Several lawyers arrested, three cops injured in clashes outside LHC

LAHORE: Several lawyers arrested whereas three cops have been injured as clashes erupted between lawyers and police during a protest outside Lahore High Court (LHC), ARY News reported.

As per details, lawyers in Lahore staged a protest outside the Lahore High Court against the transfer of civil courts to Model Town court however the protest turned violent when police tried to disperse the protesting lawyers.

The Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court had ordered the relocation of courts, whereas the lawyers announced to protest against the move.

The protest started when lawyers were not allowed to enter the Chief Justice’s chamber. Police used batons, tear gas, and water cannons to control the protesters, resulting in several lawyers and police officials being injured in the clashes.

Several lawyers who were participating in the protest were also arrested, all doors of the Lahore High Court have been closed, and no one is being allowed to enter the high court.

In a clash between police and lawyers at GPO Chowk three cops including Anarkali SHO Akhtar Ali also sustained injuries. The three injured have been shifted to the Ganga Ram Hospital.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz directed IG Police Usman Anwar to refrain from using force against the lawyers.

She took to X (formerly twitter) and posted “I have directed IG Police to refrain from using force against the lawyers. Lawyers must also resolve their matters with Lahore High Court amicably. For the safety of the citizens of Lhr, confrontation should be avoided.”

I have directed IG Police to refrain from using force against the lawyers. Lawyers must also resolve their matters with Lahore High Court amicably. For the safety of the citizens of Lhr, confrontation should be avoided.

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 8, 2024

Reacting to the clashes, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said that police will not allow anyone to disrupt the law and order inside the High Court. Tear gas shells were fired to disperse the protesting lawyers, he added.

A heavy police contingent is present around the high court and no protest will be allowed within the premises of the Lahore High Court, said DIG Operations.

DIG Operations Faisal Kamran warned if the lawyers pelted stones, police will respond promptly.

As the situation escalated, Supreme Court Bar Lawyers announced “full day” strike tomorrow across Pakistan.

They demanded Chief Justice Lahore High Court (LHC) to resolve the issue through reconciliation.

Islamabad High Court Bar Association also condemned the Lahore incident and use of force against the lawyers.

The association announced strike tomorrow and demanded to register FIRs against police officials involved in using force against the lawyers.