Protesting farmers clash with police in Islamabad ahead of budget announcement
Officers used water cannon, fired tear gas, and wielded batons to disperse the agitating protesters.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The situation at Islamabad’s D-Chowk intensified after farmers, who were marching towards Parliament while protesting ahead of budget announcement, clashed with police.|
The officers used water cannon, fired tear gas, and wielded batons to disperse the agitating protesters whereas the farmers also threw stones and pieces of marble on them.
The protesters chanted slogans against Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif and threatened to seal Islamabad if their demands are not met.
Mohammad Hussain, a leader of the farmers, said police beat the protesters and arrested dozens while police said they acted against protesters who violated a ban on rallies in the capital.
Meanwhile, Metro bus service was also suspended due to the clash.
On the other hand, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will present budget for the fiscal year 2017-18 with an estimated outlay of Rs 4.8 trillion in the parliament today.
The upcoming national budget envisages revival of economy, overcoming challenges at economic front particularly resolving the energy crisis and reducing non-development expenditures and providing relief to the masses besides promoting investment and people friendly policies for the socio economic prosperity of the country.
Khurshid Shah lashes out at government
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Khurshid Shah reached the area to express solidarity with farmers.
He said that today, the budget is going to be presented in the assembly but the farmers are on the streets to fight for their rights. He insisted the leaders to open their eyes and take step to enhance economy.
Laborers are those who do struggle day and night to feed us, he added.
PTI submits resolution in Punjab Assembly
A resolution condemning arrest and torture of farmers has also been submitted in Punjab Assembly by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
It further urged the authorities to fulfill the demands of the protesters and release the detained farmers.
--- with input from AP
