A large number of commuters on Tuesday experienced a worst traffic congestion in the provincial metropolis as the supporters of a 'banned outfit' held protest demonstration against the federal and provincial governments demanding release of their leader placed under house arrest.
The protesters chanted anti-government slogans by blocking Mall Road and its adjoining roads which created hours-long traffic congestion and commuters faced unprecedented difficulties in reaching their destinations. The Mall Road, Cooper Road, Fane Road, Temple Road, Awan-e-Tajarat Road and others remained clogged for more than four hours.
On January 25, the Punjab Home Department had issued a security alert to the concerned departments, directing them to increase security measures as some 'terrorist activities' were likely in the city. Nevertheless, the provincial government and the police department failed to desist the protesters notwithstanding security threats.
"The activities of the demonstrators connected with proscribed organisation be closely monitored," a clause of the security alert letter said, the copy of which is available with Business Recorder. Meanwhile, sources said that the protestors did not get permission from the district government despite that held their protest in violation of Section 144.
Imran Zahid, a practising lawyer at the Lahore High Court (LHC), told this reporter that the district government and the Punjab police department have completely failed in implementing the order of Lahore High Court. The court had clearly mentioned in its order that the 'right of living overrules the right of speech'. The Mall Road has become a favourite place to record protests due to laxity of the government, he added.
When contacted Hammad Raza, spokesman of the DIG Operations, did not bother to give his version as to why the police department had failed to desist protesters despite security threats also apprehended by the Home Department.
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