Thousands protest in twin cities

Condemning the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, the self-claimed killer of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, members of different religious outfits took to the streets and blocked main arteries of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and burnt tyres Monday. Qadri was hanged at the heavily-guarded Adiala Jail at 4:30 am. He killed Taseer on January 4, 2011 in Kohsar Market, Islamabad.
The hanging of Qadri sparked protests in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and law enforcement agencies put security on high alert in both the cities. Police sources said that the hanging of Qadri took place after the final meeting with his family members and then his body was handed over to his relatives and heirs. Hundreds of people arrived at Qadri's home to mourn his death when his body was brought in.
Thousands of students of different seminaries and loyalists of Qadri gathered at Faizabad interchange and blocked Islamabad Expressway, Murree road by placing containers and other barriers for traffic for whole day. The Punjab government has also suspended Metro Bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi in order to avert any untoward incident. The protesters were holding sticks, rods, picture of Qadri and flags and wearing green pieces of cloth and bearing the commuters from entering the federal capital.
Protester, condemning the execution of Qadri, chanted slogans against the present government and demanded ouster of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The chanted slogans "Go Nawaz go" and "Qadri blood will not go in waste". The enraged protesters also set on fire a bus at Murree road and also clashed with the commuters and media persons. Motorists, commuters and students faced problems due to protest and road blocks.
The relatives and followers of Qadri also staged protest and burnt tyres at Attal village Bahara Kahu, the native town of Qadri. Heavy contingent of police and Rangers were also deployed around the residence of Qadri. Meanwhile the funeral prayer of Qadri will be offered today (Tuesday) at Liaqat Bagh, Rawalpindi, at 2:00 pm amid tight security arrangements.
Sources said that funeral prayer was delayed till Tuesday as Sarwat Ejaz Qadri of Sunni Tehreek is likely to reach the garrison city today (Tuesday) to attend the funeral prayer. On the other hand, informed sources said the Punjab government has banned entry of Sarwat Ejaz a few days ago fearing a law and order situation if Sarwat tried to enter the province to attend funeral of Qadri.
The security at the entry points of the federal capital has been enhanced. Meanwhile, Islamabad Bar Association called the execution of Qadri a 'judicial murder' and announced that the bar will observe strike. According to a notification issued by Islamabad Bar Association, "All respected members are hereby informed that on call of Islamabad Bar Association, a strike and black day is being observed against the 'judicial murder' of Mumtaz Qadri."