By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan’s eastern city, Lahore has become the centre of political activities ahead of the rally of all the major opposition parties being held on January 17 (Wednesday) at the Mall, the busiest road of the provincial capital. The rally, also being given the name of sit-in by the cleric, Dr. Tahirul Qadri is being participated by the politicians including Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan and former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari to press the Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the provincial law minister Rana Sanaullah to resign after their failure to bring the culprits of Model Town massacre to the justice. The firing by the police on workers of Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) in upscale Model Town district of Lahore on June 17, 2014 had resulted in the death 14 persons. Earlier this month, PAT chief Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri had announced to start campaign against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) government, from January 17. Almost all parties of the opposition, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have announced to join PAT’s protest. “We need to end the enemies of humanity and tyrannical rule, eliminate PML-N; it will now be the public’s hand tugging at the collars of these leaders,” says Pakistani-Canadian cleric , Dr. Tahirul Qadri. The Government of Punjab has decided Monday to offer full-fledged security to the participants of the protest. On the day of the protest, strict checking will be conducted at the city’s entry and exit points, according to media reports. However, the police officers on duty will remain unarmed. Police personnel from adjoining districts will also be called on duty in order to provide additional security to the protesters on a larger scale.
