Tensions Flare as Lawyers’ Protest Turns Violent at Lahore’s GPO Chowk
The GPO Chowk in Lahore turned into a battleground on Wednesday as riot police clashed with lawyers who had gathered for a protest rally and attempted to enter the Lahore High Court (LHC).
Efforts by the lawyers to access the high court were met with resistance from the police, who used baton charges, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
According to Dawn.com correspondent Rana Bilal, who witnessed the events, the violence erupted as lawyers, including members of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, demanded the dismissal of a terrorism case against their colleagues and protested against the relocation of a court to another site.
Numerous lawyers were reportedly arrested and injured during the police crackdown, while members of the press, law enforcement personnel, and bystanders were also affected.
Despite negotiations between the police and lawyers, the standoff remains unresolved, the correspondent noted.
Earlier footage aired on television depicted clashes between a large contingent of riot police and lawyers, with clouds of tear gas enveloping GPO Chowk. Speaking to Dawn News, Lahore bureau chief Mohammad Bilal stated that all entrances and roads leading to the LHC had been sealed off to prevent the lawyers from entering.
“Those attempting to enter are being dispersed with baton charges and water cannons,” he remarked, highlighting the growing frustration among the lawyers with the police response.
Bilal mentioned that given the planned rally by the LHC Bar Association, there was already a substantial police presence, including anti-riot forces and water cannons, at the scene.
“While the rally was initially peaceful, the police intervened when the lawyers attempted to enter the court premises,” the bureau chief elaborated. “The situation outside the high court remains tense.”
