Tensions reached a boiling point near the Lahore High Court on Wednesday as a demonstration by lawyers turned violent, resulting in clashes with law enforcement officers. The lawyers were protesting against the division of civil courts and the filing of terrorism cases against their colleagues.
The scene unfolded at the GPO Chowk, where police resorted to baton charging as protesting lawyers attempted to breach barricades around the high court premises. Stones were hurled at the police as they tried to maintain order.
In response, police forces used batons and began shelling to disperse the lawyers, employing water cannons to prevent their advancement towards the court’s main gate. The situation escalated as traffic flow on Mall Road and nearby routes was severely disrupted.
Despite the deployment of a heavy police contingent, two protesting lawyers were apprehended, adding fuel to the already tense situation. The standoff persisted as both sides remained steadfast in their positions.
Although the local administration had prior knowledge of the protest, no efforts were made to engage in dialogue with the lawyers. The protesters demanded access to the court premises, vocally expressing their grievances against police intervention.
Inside the courtrooms, normal proceedings came to a halt as judges and other legal professionals remained sequestered amidst the unrest outside.
Initial plans by the protesting lawyers to rally outside the office of the Lahore High Court’s chief justice were thwarted by police, citing concerns over potential lawlessness.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Operations Faisal Kamran emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining restraint. He noted that tear gas was deployed only after the protesters initiated violence, resulting in injuries to a senior police officer and a constable.
With a substantial security presence comprising over 2,000 personnel, the authorities are determined to restore order and uphold the rule of law around the Lahore High Court premises.
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