Scores of Islami Jamiat-e-Talba (IJT) activists who were protesting against the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) rights support function held last week at the US Embassy, baton charged by the police on Friday. The protestors who had assembled here at Aabpara Chowk after the Juma prayer wanted to march towards US Embassy, but the local police with the help of law-enforcement agencies foiled the bid by resorting to firing tear- gas shells and baton charge.
Holding banners and flags of IJT and Jamat-e-Islami, the angry protestors were shouting slogans against the United States and the government of Pakistan. The protesters led by Nazim IJT Islamabad chapter, Noor-ul-Bashr were also shouting slogans in support for Jihaad and condemned government silence over the issue. On reaching Aabpara Chowk, they set ablaze the US flag.
On the occasion, the protesting leaders accused United States for attempting to draw social differences in the country, terming the function a culture invasion on Pakistan, vowing that the US would not be allowed to materialise its malign agenda. They vowed to continue their protests until government seeks public apology from US Ambassador Cameron Munter.
They termed the 'gay rights protecting event' anti-Islamic and against the moral values, saying that the 'Hadood Ordinance, useless matters were promoted by the US, which shows its intentions. On reaching Aabpara Chowk the IJT activists turned violent and attempted to cross the barricades to march towards US Embassy, but police and officials of law-enforcement agencies started baton charge and fired tear gas shells.
In retaliation the protestors also started pelting stones on the police and law- enforcement agency personnel and at civilian vehicles parked nearby. For about half an hour the hide and seek continued between the protestors and police personnel, which turned the Aabpara Chowk into a battlefield.
Police after hectic efforts managed to disperse the IJT activists and marchers, who later gathered at 7th avenue and blocked the road for the general traffic. Due to baton charge, almost seven persons got minor injuries, while one was seriously injured who was taken to hospital, besides arresting a dozen of protestors by the police.