At least two people were killed in Mianwali on Monday when police opened fire on protesters demanding restoration of uninterrupted power supply to the city.
In retaliation, people threw stones on police personnel, injuring 15 officials, including the district police officer and district coordination officer. According to details, the Tehreek-e Haqooq Mianwali gave the call for protests against unscheduled, lengthy load shedding and over billing. Various political parties and organisations in the city backed the call wherein thousands of people gathered at Jahaz Chowk for a sit-in and chanted slogans against the government. Traders also observed a complete shutter-down strike throughout the day.
They then marched towards the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, but police resisted their advances and were eventually forced to baton charge and fire teargas shells at the protesters to disperse them. In retaliation, the angry mob pelted stones at the police upon which the officials opened fire on the protesters, resulting in the killing of two people. At least 32 people were injured, including 20 police officials. Rangers were subsequently called in to rescue senior officials, including Mianwali DPO Waqas Nazeer, from the angry protesters. Foreign agencies put the number of protesters at 8,000, saying they attacked government buildings and shops.
