The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered IG Punjab to stop the operation in Zaman Park. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh heard the petition filed in Lahore High Court to stop the Zaman Park operation and said to restore peace in the city. IG Punjab said that they want the presence of police to arrest those who are causing trouble.
During the hearing, Chief Secretary Punjab claimed that he spent the entire night at the hospital and witnessed people coming with injuries. IG Punjab stated that all the green belts and government property were destroyed in the morning.
Justice Tariq Saleem Shaikh asked if the operation could be temporarily stopped as there is also a request in Islamabad. Shah Mehmood Qureshi came to the rostrum and said that statement by IG Punjab is not correct and they are willing to surrender in the court, but they have reservations about security. The court allowed the police to stay at 500 meters distance on Malkanal Bridge, Dharmora Bridge and Thandi Sadak.
The Lahore High Court called the parties at 10 am tomorrow and stated till then PSL matches would also end, and Islamabad High Court would provide its verdict.
Wednesday Episode at Zaman Park
On Wednesday, the security forces continued their efforts to arrest Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case but once again faced the barrier of PTI supporters. Supporters of Imran Khan and party workers of PTI declined to leave the premises, and Zaman park became a battleground of police against civilians.
PTI Chief Imran Khan, in his video statement, said soon the situation would get out of their hands as workers were not listening to him. He said that due to the anarchy and shelling against the workers, he has no control over them now.
Imran also Tweeted that his house was under heavy attack since yesterday afternoon. He added that the attack by Rangers is the largest pool party against the armed forces. Imran lashed out at PDM and said that the enemies of Pakistan wanted to create this situation. The former pm added that we had learnt nothing from the tragedy of East Pakistan.
My house has been under heavy attack since yesterday afternoon. Latest attack by Rangers, pitting the largest pol party against the army. This is what PDM and the enemies of Pakistan want. No lessons learnt from the East Pakistan tragedy. pic.twitter.com/SBcrCcYEo5
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 15, 2023
Over 60 people, including over 50 police officers, were injured in Zaman Park and other areas
Islamabad Police could not arrest Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan in the Tosha Khana case. The situation is getting worsen in Imran Khan’s residency at Zaman Park Lahore. In various areas, clashes between PTI workers and the police continued, and 60 people, including over 50 police officers, got injured in the clashes.
The tense situation continued at Mall Road, Dharmapura and Zaman Park throughout the night as PTI workers and police remained in the clash. The stone pelting injured DPO Sheikhupura Zahid Nawaz Marwat and SP Amara Shirazi.
Meanwhile, authorities have imposed emergency in all hospitals across Lahore.
MS Services Hospital said that the police personnel got injured by sticks and stones, and some also suffered fractures. The hospital authorities added that eight civilians were also admitted to the hospital with injuries. The administration added that people with minor injuries were discharged.
Session court suspends non-bailable warrants of Imran till March 16
Judge Faizan Haider Gilani issued a one-page decision stating that the Sessions Court issued the warrant to ensure Imran’s appearance, which he challenged in court. The verdict added that Imran Khan did not appear in court due to security concerns, and the government also withdrew the security from him.
The court passed the judgment in which it stated that the arrest warrant issued by the Sessions Court would remain suspended till March 16, 2023. The court also directed the PTI lawyers to appear on March 16 with a government document regarding the withdrawal of Imran’s security.