Photo Express Tribune
Quetta: During the protest against the arrest of Imran Khan in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, a PTI worker was killed in firing while a total of 10 people including workers and police personnel were injured.
After the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PTI workers blocked the main airport road of Quetta.
“Firing took place at the PTI protest,” a senior police officer told The Express Tribune, requesting anonymity as he was not authorized and authorized to speak to the media.
Meanwhile, PTI Balochistan President Munir Baloch blamed the police for firing on the protesters and demanded a transparent investigation into the incident.
Angry protesters set fire to two police vehicles parked near the rally and pelted stones while the police fired tear gas to disperse the PTI workers.
Protesters also burnt tires at the main Airport Road intersection, suspending traffic between Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. Protesters also blocked Balochistan’s main national highways that connect the country with neighboring Iran and Afghanistan.
Besides, PTI workers staged a sit-in on the National Highway in Muslim Bagh, Qila Saifullah Junction Chowk, Harnai, Ziarat and Laura Lai Highway due to which the movement of traffic was suspended.
Balochistan Police Spokesman said that five officials including three officers were injured due to the firing of the protesters and a total of 10 injured have been transferred to the hospital. He was also injured.
Police officials claimed that petrol bombs were hurled by PTI workers while shelling the officials. In view of the violent protests, the administration has imposed emergency in all the hospitals of Quetta.
The Balochistan government has imposed Section 144 to maintain law and order while internet service is partially blocked in several areas. Balochistan Interior Minister Ziaullah Longo told The Express Tribune, “The government has banned all kinds of political rallies and display of weapons.”
read more: Nationwide protests over Imran Khan’s arrest, clashes with police, mobile service shutdown in Punjab
He asserted that no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands and the government writ would be ensured in all cases.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Quddus Bizenjo directed all Deputy Commissioners to maintain law and order. He said that the elements causing law and order problems should be brought to justice.
On the other hand, the Chief Minister has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of life and property in the violent incidents and said that the government will not allow anyone to take the law into their hands and those involved in the said incidents will be brought to justice. People are requested to protest peacefully and not try to take the law into their hands.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to take effective measures to maintain the law and order situation and said that it is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives and property of the people and national installations, which will be protected in any case.
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