Punjab remains tense as protests continue unabated

The situation in Punjab province remained tense on Sunday as religious groups continued their protests and sit ins in support of their demands even after several protesters were detained by security forces for blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire.
In the provincial capital demonstrators are protesting in different areas such as Shahdara Chowk, Faisal Chowk, Mohlanwal, Pakka , Saghian bridge Mile, Multan Road, Lohianwala and Mughalpura. Traffic is being guided through alternate routes, resulting in roadblocks in various parts of the city.
Moreover, security has been beefed up on all routes leading to Jati Umra, residence of disqualified prime minister. Heavy contingents of police have been deployed near Jati Umra, whereas containers have been summoned for placing on different spots on Raiwind Road. Security has also been tightened at the residences of ministers and advisors and other PML-N leaders.
On Saturday, protests took an ugly turn when demonstrators blocked Mall Road and other areas and set a vehicle on fire at Shahdara Chowk. They also blocked railway tracks in the area. Lahore police had to resort to tear gas shelling to disperse the protesters. Further contingents of Rangers were also summoned to the site of protests. Metro bus services were suspended.
Similar situation is being faced by train passengers as railways services remain disturbed for the second day. Railways officials said that only few trains arrived to Lahore that too after a delay of almost eight to ten hours.