Lahore: Model Town sealed, over 150 PAT workers arrested

Following the registration of FIR against Dr Tahirul Qadri, heavy contingents of police were deployed in Model Town while all roads leading to Minhajul Quran secretariat were sealed.

Police also launched a crackdown against Pakistan Awami Tehreek workers and detained more than 150 PAT workers from Faislabad, Sahiwal, Vehari, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot and Sheikhupura. According to police, a case under MPO 16 has been registered against the arrested people. According to sources, PAT workers are moving to safer places to avoid arrest. Meanwhile, commuters are facing problems after police sealed all the roads connecting to Faisal Town and Garden Town through Akbar Chowk, Barkat Market and Jinnah hospital.

A large number of PAT workers including women are also present outside the residence of Dr Qadri. Most of the workers are wearing helmets and holding sticks and shields for the possible confrontation with police. Addressing the media, Pakistan Awami Tehreek President Dr Raheeq Abbasi said that dozens of PAT workers were arrested while demanded the government to immediately release them.