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Lawyers on Wednesday organised a rally outside the Lahore High Court (LHC), where they were met by policemen clad in riot gear.
The lawyers, who could be seen trying push against the fenced barricade outside the court, were repelled by police personnel.
According to Dawn.com’s correspondent at the scene, the violence erupted as lawyers, including members from the Lahore High Court Bar Association, demanded the dismissal of a terrorism case filed against a fellow lawyer, and protested against the transfer of a case to another court.
Footage broadcast on television showed a large number of riot personnel and lawyers clashing, with what appeared to be tear gas blanketing GPO Chowk.
Lawyers were seen covering their faces and water cannons were also stationed.
Speaking to DawnNewsTV, Lahore bureau chief Mohammad Bilal said that all gates and roads to the LHC have been shut so that the lawyers can’t enter.
“Those who are outside and trying to enter are being shelled and dispersed with baton charge and water cannons,” he said, adding that the lawyers are becoming frustrated with the police’s response against them.
He noted that since the rally had been announced by the LHC Bar Association, there was already a heavy police contingent present at the scene with anti-riot forces and water cannons.
“While the rally was making its way to the court, it was peaceful. The police began taking action once the lawyers tried to make their way into the court,” he said. “The situation outside the high court is pretty tense right now.”
More to follow.
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