TLP protest: Lahore remains shut on second consecutive day

Closure of all major commercial centres and suspension of cellular service in certain parts of the provincial capital created severe problems for citizens on Thursday as supporters of some religio-political parties including the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan continued their protest for the second consecutive day against the ruling of the Supreme Court acquitting Aasia Bibi in a blasphemy case.
The major commercial centres including Azam Cloth Market, Badami Bagh, Auto Spare Parts Market, Urdu Bazar (paper market), Akbari Mandi, Iron Market, Rang Mehal, Soha Bazar, Mochi Gate, Toy Market, Anarkali, Hall Road, Circular Market and Panorama Centre remained closed due to security threats and protests of the TLP supporters. Except in small markets, the trading activity also remained suspended, resulting in colossal financial losses to poor traders.
A large number of media workers, government officials, workers of private organisations and commuters coming to the city via highways could not reach their destinations. However, some people managed to reach after exchanging strong arguments with the TLP supporters and police officials. Some enraged TLP activists stopped a senior Business Recorder reporter and directed him to go back home when the latter was about to reach his office.
Quoting the TLP leadership, the activists told the reporter that they have crystal clear direction to "teach a good lesson" to media persons since they were not getting media coverage. The protests and demonstrations also caused disruptions in the schedule of several trains reaching Lahore due to the closure of Imamia Colony Phattak. The trains which delayed included Green Line, Khyber Mail Express, Jafar Express, Multan Express and Allama Iqbal Express.
All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Taajran President Khalid Pervaiz claimed that the businessmen have suffered an estimated loss of Rs 5 billion in Lahore only due to the protest and demonstrations. Responding to a query, he hoped resumption of trading activity by Friday (today) as negotiations are underway with the TLP leaders. Meanwhile, the Punjab government alerted Punjab Rangers and deployed additional contingents of police and law enforcers near protesting areas.
Meanwhile, some stick-wielding protesters chanting religious slogans outside the central police office (CPO) attacked policemen who were attempting to disperse them. The policemen resorted to baton charge when the demonstrators resisted and attacked the officials.