At least 73 policemen were injured in clashes with Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) supporters in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi early Monday morning. The clashes occurred ahead of Tahir ul Qadri’s return to Pakistan to lead what he has called an anti-government “revolution”.
Several security men belonging to Islamabad, Punjab and Azad Kashmir police sustained injuries in the encounters with PAT supporters that broke out late on Sunday night and Monday morning in the adjoining areas of Islamabad airport.
According to police sources, the PAT workers also attacked the Koral police station and injured many policemen. Many others sustained injuries when the enraged activists of PAT pelted them with stones and batons.
Several policemen suffered fractures and serious head injuries and were later shifted to different hospitals. Hospital sources told that 35 injured security personnel were brought to Poly Clinic, 11 to PIMS and 27 to DHQ Hospital, Rawalpindi.
More than 20 policemen were discharged after providing them the first aid, however, the remaining injured personnel are currently being treated at the emergency units of the mentioned hospitals.
PIMS Medical Superintendent said that most of the policemen have suffered head injuries, adding that the injured are being provided best medical attention.
“We have all facilities and medicines available. We are on high alert and good care is being provided to the injured,” he added.
The Interior Ministry has said the police personnel were ordered not to use any force against the protesters.
Qadri’s supporters, including a large number of women, managed to breach police cordons to arrive at the Islamabad airport overnight, chanting slogans in favour of their leader.
