In pictures: Opposition's anti-government protest on Mall Road

Pakistan

In pictures: Opposition's anti-government protest on Mall Road

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(Web Desk) – Opposition parties led by the Pakistan Awami Tehreek staged an anti-government protest on Mall road in Lahore over the 2014 Model Town incident.

With the PMLN led government already facing political uncertainty, the all parties’ protest came in the wake of the government surrounded with controversies including the brutal murder of a minor in Kasur. The opposition parties demanded justice from the government over the failure to dispense justice in both the cases.

The protest was also being eyed as a show of power by opposition parties, including the PTI and the PPP –both of which recently taken harsh stances against each other’s leadership. The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz criticised the opposition for cashing in politically over the recent unfortunate incident in Kasur. While this is not the first such protest that has been witnessed by Lahore, the recent protest is being viewed as one that is politically challenging the PMLN government at a time when it is surrounded with several threats.

However, the local administration had discouraged the organisers from holding the protest citing security risks. Police cordoned off the area with containers blocking several parts of the Mall Road leading to the protest site close to Charing Cross.

Despite this preparations for the protest, including setting up of stage, were already done the prior night. Political workers of all parties started making their way to Mall road on Wednesday afternoon following which each party’s leadership made its way to the protest site as hundreds of workers gathered amidst tight security.

Protest site on late Tuesday night as parties finalise preparations. Photo: OINN

Commuters arguing with police officials as portions of Mall road blocked for traffic on Wednesday afternoon. Photo: OINN

A delegation from PTI Gujranwala makes way to Mall Road on Wednesday evening to take part in the protest. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

PMLQ workers gather outside their office on Davis Road to take part in the protest at Charing Cross. Photo:n Aroosa Shaukat

Banners of opposition parties displayed on main Canal Road on Wednesday ahead of the Mall Road protest in Lahore. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

Delegations of various political parties make their way to Charing Cross on Wednesday evening. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

PTI workers walking to the protest site as containers block roads for traffic on Mall Road. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

Protestors holding placards demanding justice for the Model Town incident. Photo: OINN

PPP workers part of the larger convoy heading to Charing Cross. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

Police set up security check points on road leading to the main protest site on Mall Road. Photo: OINN

PAT workers take part in the Mall Road protest on Wednesday. Photo: OINN

Police on duty on Wednesday morning ahead of the Mall Road protest by opposition parties. Photo: OINN

Buses bringing in workers of different political parties parked on main Mall Road on Wednesday evening. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

PMLQ workers holding flags on main Mall Road. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

Flags and banners displayed on Mall road on Wednesday. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

View of the protest on early Wednesday evening on Mall Road. Photo: OINN

Police struggles to ensure smooth flow of traffic on Mall Road as convoys make their way towards the protest site. Photo: Aroosa Shaukat

PAT s chief Dr. Tahir ul Qadri and PPP s vice chairman Asif Ali Zardari having a discussion on stage during the Mall Road protest. Photo: OINN

Dr. Qadri delivering a speech during the Mall Road protest against the PMLN government. Photo: OINN

PTI women workers attending the Mall Road protest. Photo: OINN

Dr. Qadri and PTI chief Imran Khan on stage during the Mall Road anti-government protest in Lahore on Wednesday. Photo: OINN