Punjab takes steps to control demonstrations

Lahore: The Punjab Government has directed its district administrations and police authorities to keep students, traders, transporters and labour unions away from protests being held against the suspension of the Supreme Court chief justice.

Well placed sources in the Punjab Home Department said the series of protest rallies being held by lawyers across the country over the issue of removal of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry could take a violent turn if the protesters are handled wrongly by the police as had already happened in Islamabad and Lahore.

The sources said a letter issued by the Home Department with the subject "guidelines regarding protest rallies in Punjab" said new guidelines have been conveyed by the federal government to the provincial government which should be followed on top priority basis.

The letter directed them to follow the new guidelines devised by the government to control protest rallies across Punjab.

No use of force

The sources said the guidelines have restricted the authorities especially police from using force against lawyers and media representatives covering the rallies. Security of all religious places need to be ensured, the letter said, adding that all religious congregations/prayers should be fully protected and the routes of dispersal should be kept under surveillance.

The guideline also emphasised ensuring complete ban on display or carrying of arms by the authorities and in case of a breach, criminal action is proposed against the organiser.