SAHIWAL, PAKISTAN: Eleven workers and office-bearers of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) have been sent to Central Jail for an identification parade following a violent protest that turned into an attack on police officials in Chichawatni. The order was issued by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sahiwal, highlighting the gravity of the incident that unfolded earlier this month.
According to police, the clash erupted on October 13 at the Western Bypass along the Lahore-Khanewal National Highway, when TLP activists reportedly blocked the road, pelted stones at law-enforcement personnel, and damaged public property. The protesters also allegedly stripped the uniforms off two policemen — Constables Ihsan-ul-Haq and Nisar Ahmed — while chanting slogans and sharing videos of the confrontation online.
The accused, identified as Umair Saleem, Azeem, Shahroz, Basharat Ali, Nouman Ali, Usman Ali, Maqsood, Ghulam Sarwar, Fakharuddin, Gul Shabbir, and Saad, have been booked under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
Authorities say the identification parade will help confirm the involvement of the detained individuals as investigations continue. Law-enforcement sources emphasized that the incident is being treated as a serious breach of public order and an attack on the state’s writ.
Meanwhile, human-rights observers caution that the increasing use of terrorism laws in protest-related cases must be handled carefully to ensure fair legal process and avoid suppression of political expression.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.