Dr. Tahirul Qadri reaches Lahore airport
Qadri's flight EK612 was diverted from Islamabad towards Lahore.
Lahore (Web Desk) - Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr. Tahirul Qadri has arrived at Lahore s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Monday, Dunya News reported.
Earlier, Qadri s flight EK612 was diverted from Islamabad towards Lahore.
His flight was expected to land at the Benazir International Airport at 8:30am but the data showed airplane circulating over Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Later, Emirates Airline website reported that the flight was diverted towards Lahore.
More than 150 policemen in plain clothes are present at the airport. A helicopter is also available at the airport the might shift Dr. Tahirul Qadri to Model Town area.
SECURITY MEASURES
The government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi prohibiting the gathering of more than four persons at a place and blocked all routes to and from Islamabad airport, even as PAT supporters hold protests in support of Dr Qadri in various cities.
Meanwhile, delegations of political parties including Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) also tried to reach airport to welcome Tahirul Qadri but they were barred from entering the airport premises.
Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed was also denied entry into the airport.
Due to security fears, entry and exit points in the twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) have been sealed by placing containers on the roads whereas cellular services will remain suspended till 2:00pm today.
Mobile services will remain suspended on Airport Road, Grassy Lane and Askari-8 areas.
On the other hand, motorway leading towards Islamabad has also been closed for traffic while Faizabad Interchange was blocked with containers.
Several roads including Murree Road and Jehlum Road were blocked to stop Tahirul Qadri’s supporters from reaching the airport.
PAT WORKERS CLASH WITH POLICE
Agitated workers of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) also clashed with police in Faizabad, Koral Chowk and different areas of the twin cities.
Qadri’s supporters pelted stones at the policemen, injuring 28 in different areas. 13 cops were shifted to Poly Clinic and 11 were shifted to District Headquarter Hospital.
Meanwhile, police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the protestors.
Interior Ministry said that policemen have not been allowed to use arms even if they are attacked by the PAT workers.
