ISLAMABAD: Fierce clashes erupted between law-enforcers and protesters in Islamabad late Saturday night as protesters attempted to march towards the Prime Minister House.
Tear-gas and rubber bullets have been used by police, while protesters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have responded with pelting stones.
The clashes come on the 14th day of sit-ins in the capital, which had thus far remained without incident.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- Protesters have broken the gates of Parliament House using a truck and have entered the compound.
- Three people have died while more than 400 people have been injured so far as a result of the clashes.
- Clashes have also been reported in Lahore between PTI supporters and Punjab Police
- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced a day of mourning to be observed in Karachi today (Sunday). MQM chief Altaf Hussain has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to step down.
- Javed Hashmi hits out at Imran’s decision to march to PM house; says PTI core committee was against it
- An emergency corps commanders meeting called today has ended
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August 31, 11:25pm
Talking to Express News, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says, protesters are still sitting outside Parliament House because government has not used force and is still avoiding its use.
Asif claims the government had almost achieved a solution to the crisis on Saturday during the meeting between government and PTI’s negotiation teams.
“Talks were progressing and the two committees were supposed to meet on Sunday afternoon,” he says, adding, “But later on PTI out of no where decided to march towards PM House.”
“We wish to solve this crisis politically and our negotiation teams are ready to hold talks once again,” says the defence minister.
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August 31, 10:04pm
The ISPR statement regarding the corps commanders meeting held today can be viewed here:
Corps Commander Conference was held at General Headquarters tonight. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif presided over the conference.
While reaffirming support to democracy, the conference reviewed with serious concern, the existing political crisis and the violent turn it has taken, resulting in large scale injuries and loss of lives. Further use of force will only aggravate the problem.
It was once again reiterated that the situation should be resolved politically without wasting any time and without recourse to violent means.
Army remains committed to playing its part in ensuring security of the state and will never fall short of meeting national aspirations.
Army chief General Raheel Sharif chairing corps commanders meeting. PHOTO: ISPR
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August 31, 10:00pm
Following Islamabad police’s decision to register a case against him, Imran Khan reiterates that peaceful protest is their democratic right.
“Pakistanis, you have to fight against this,” he says.
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August 31, 9:50pm
Islamabad police has decided to register a case against PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, Express News reports.
According to sources, a case will be registered against the two leaders for attacking policemen and state institutions.
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August 31, 9:40pm
Army chief’s meeting with corps commanders has been going on for three hours now.
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August 31, 9:38pm
Meanwhile, a notification has been issued regarding SSP Traffic Asmatullah Junejo taking charge as SSP Islamabad, Express News reports.
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August 31, 9:35pm
Police, adopting a Gullu Butt-esque role, have been seen breaking windows of people’s cars, Express News reports.
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August 31, 9:25pm
Condemning protesters’ march towards PM House, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif terms the “attack” on parliament and PM House as the darkest day of the country’s history.
“Attackers could not achieve their goals,” he says.
“People who are doing politics over dead bodies would be disappointed,” says the chief minister.
Further, he says it does not suit enemies of democracy to talk about the Constitution and democracy.
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August 31, 9:18pm
PTI supporters have blocked the Metro Bus route in Lahore, halting the bus service, Express News reports.
Further, there are reports of small-scale rioting.
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August 31, 9:08pm
SP Islamabad Captain Ilyas has declined the offer to take charge as SSP Islamabad, Express News reports.
According to sources, SSP Traffic Asmatullah Junejo is now going to replace him.
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August 31, 8:38pm
Referring to recent developments regarding SSP Islamabad going on leave, Imran Khan said the incoming SP is a Gullu Butt belonging to the Sharif family.
“Ilyas, we will not spare you,” says Imran.
“Victory will be ours,” he says, adding that he has a feeling the final decision will be made tonight.
“An FIR will be registered against PM Nawaz, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and IG Islamabad,” he says warning Ilyas that similar action will be taken against him if he resorts to violence against his supporters.
Imran will address his workers again shortly.
Express News screengrab of PTI chairman Imran Khan addressing his supporters.
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August 31, 8:35pm
Opposing police crackdown on protesters last night, SSP Islamabad Mohammad Ali has gone on a leave, Express News reports quoting sources.
SP Ilyas has taken the SSP’s position while he is away. Sources say, Interior Minister Chauhdry Nisar had also called Ilyas earlier to take action against protesters in the Red Zone.
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August 31, 8:15pm
PTI supporters are staging a protest outside the Sharif Residency in Model Town, Lahore, Express News reports.
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August 31, 8:05pm
PTI supporters protest against the government’s crackdown at Thokar Niaz Baig in Lahore. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK
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August 31, 7:40pm
Fahd Hussain writes that the situation in Islamabad is all knotted up in steel wires and steely positions. It’s an alphabetical nightmare: the PML-N, the PTI, the PAT and GHQ locked into a steely embrace with the PPP, the JI and others hovering around to help untie the knot. The steely resolve to find a negotiated way out of this maze is however still elusive. The wire is stretched to breaking point, ready to snap any moment and lash around like a snarling steel snake.
Read: Democracy on a treadmill
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August 31, 7:35pm
Talking to Express News, MQM chief Altaf Hussain says some anchors claimed that the MQM wants martial law to be imposed in the country.
“I can only pray for them,” he says.
Referring to the Model Town clashes on June 17, the MQM chief says if it is wrong to keep condemning such atrocities, then he will keep doing the wrong thing.
Responding to a question regarding the ongoing corps commanders’ meeting, Altaf rhetorically asks whether the MQM had asked for the meeting to be convened or the government’s actions had compelled the army chief to do so.
“Is it suitable for the sitting PM and interior minister to lie on the floor of the assembly,” Altaf asks referring to the premier and interior minister’s statements regarding army’s role as mediator in negotiations between protesting parties.
Talking about options to resolve the crisis, Hussain says, under the article 190 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court can call the army if it feels the country is in danger.
Further, he suggests Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should talk to Imran and Qadri himself.
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August 31, 7:05pm
PTI chairman Imran Khan’s sister’s car has been attacked by stick-wileding policemen, Express News reports.
Imran’s sister was bringing food supplies for the supporters when the police started to attack her car. However, her driver managed to drive past the police.
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August 31, 6:42pm
Meanwhile, corps commanders meeting with the army chief has begun at GHQ in Rawalpindi, Express News reports.
Along with the corps commanders, principal staff officers and DG ISI are also a part of the meeting.
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August 31, 6:35pm
Moments after PTI president Javed Hashmi accused Imran Khan of defying the party leadership’s decision to not move towards the PM House, Imran says he and Hashmi would now part ways.
Addressing his supporters for a second time today from his container parked outside the Cabinet Division gate, Imran says PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri called and assured him that his supporters were peacefully marching to the PM House.
Further, the PTI chief called off talks with the government. “The government should resign and hold re-elections.”
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 6:32pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri carry an injured fellow protester. PHOTO: REUTERS
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August 31, 6:16pm
A joint session of Parliament has been called on Tuesday, as proposed by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah.
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August 31, 6:15pm
As Qadri wrap up his address, a high-level meeting chaired by the premier also concludes.
According to Express News, those present at the meeting condemned the clashes between police and protesters last night.
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August 31, 6:10pm
“Now, even if PM Nawaz resigns, we will not go back,” says Qadri, “We will go back after a revolution comes.”
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August 31, 6:05pm
Meanwhile, over in Karachi, MQM leader Farooq Sattar addressing the media says people should wonder why Corps Commanders meetings are being held.
“We should understand this has become an issue of national security,” Sattar says adding parliamentary leaders should put their egos aside and come up with a solution.
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August 31, 5:55pm
A woman walks up on stage to share her experience from last night. She says her and fellow protesters were mistreated and abused by the police at Polyclinic Hospital.
Qadri holds up a can of what he claims to be phosphorus. He says the police sprayed this on his supporters.
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August 31, 5:35pm
Taking the stage for a second time today, PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri addresses his supporters.
“The Sharif brothers are businessmen, not democrats,” says Qadri.
“We did not do any planning to merge the Azadi and Inqilab marches. God made them merge,” says the PAT chief.
“In democratic countries, force isn’t used to disperse protesters,” he says.
Qadri announces that an FIR will be registered against PM Nawaz, Punjab CM and IG Islamabad for last night’s attack on protesters.
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August 31, 5:25pm
Talking to Express News, AML chief Sheikh Rasheed refutes PTI president Javed Hashmi’s allegation that he brought a message to Imran Khan after which he decided to move forward to the PM House.
“I did not bring any message,” he says, adding, “Javed Hashmi speaks against his own party, I can’t do anything other than pray for him.”
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August 31, 5:15pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri stand around empty gas canisters and rubber bullet casings after clashes with riot police. PHOTO: REUTERS
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August 31, 5:00pm
Saroop Ijaz on the illusion of civilian, democratic supremacy as the primary casualty of the fiasco thus far.
Read: The Umpire Strikes Back
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August 31, 4:00pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is chairing a high-level meeting in the capital to discuss the current political situation, Express News reports.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal are present at the meeting.
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August 31, 3:15pm
Distancing himself from PTI chief Imran Khan, Javed Hashmi says the party chairman broke his pledge to the party by moving towards the PM House.
“This kind of behaviour is not seen in any country in the world, where people pick up sticks and protest outside the PM House,” says Hashmi.
Further, the PTI president adds that Imran took his decision to move towards the PM House after Sheikh Rasheed and Saifullah Niazi delivered a message to him.
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 3:05pm
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has summoned a meeting of Corps Commanders in Rawalpindi today, Express News reports quoting ISPR.
Earlier, it was reported that the Corps Commanders meeting would take place on Monday.
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August 31, 2:45pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached Islamabad, Express News reports.
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August 31, 2:40pm
Addressing his supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan asks all Pakistanis to rise against the government.
“All party workers across the country should come out on the streets even if it requires breaking barriers to reach the location.”
Further, the PTI chairman says he will file a murder case against PM Nawaz as well as Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and will get their names on the Exit Control List (ECL) so that they can’t leave the country.
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 2:07pm
PM Nawaz has taken notice of the assault on media personnel, Express News reports.
After the clashes between policemen and protesters, the prime minister has called a high level meeting in Islamabad to discuss the current situation.
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August 31, 2:04pm
A slideshow of the clashes in Islamabad can be viewed here.
A supporter of Tahirul Qadri returns a tear gas shell towards police during clashes with security forces near the prime minister’s residence in Islamabad. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 1:57pm
Demonstrators have set a container on fire in the Cabinet Division, which is located in the Red Zone.
Express News screengrab of the container
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August 31, 1:56pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has left for Islamabad from Lahore, Express News reports.
Nawaz also contacted Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan via telephone to discuss the situation in the federal capital.
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August 31, 1:50pm
Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, while talking to reporters, said that the police have embarrassed the government.
He also stated that police personnel who assaulted media personnel will be punished.
“I will be a witness of the torture,” he added.
Rafique further stated that there was no officer present to control the police officials.
When asked whether the future of government was in danger, the minister said that he does not think it is.
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August 31, 1:35pm
Another injured has succumbed to his injuries, increasing the death toll from the clashes to three, Express News reported.
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August 31, 1:35pm
PPP leader and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani told Express News via phone that today is a black day in the history of Pakistan.
“We are with the Constitution not with the government,” he added.
Gilani also stated that PPP condemns the assault on media personnel as well as protesters.
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August 31, 1:29pm
Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab, Express News reported.
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August 31, 1:27pm
Without speaking to the media, the PTI chief has returned to his container.
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August 31, 1:24pm
Our correspondent Muzaffar Mukhtar reports that GT road has been closed by placing containers at Swan Bridge. In addition to that Khanna pull, Dhok Kala Khan, double road and IJP road have also been closed at different points.
Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) has announced a sit in at Faizabad Interchange at 2pm, Mukhtar reported.
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August 31, 1:20pm
Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad told Express News that they will stay there till the PM’s resignation.
He also asked the residents of Islamabad to open the doors for people affected by the clashes.
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August 31, 1:18pm
PTI chairperson Imran Khan has come out of his container. PTI leader Jehangir Tareen is accompanying him.
Imran Khan meeting workers, shaking hands & encouraging them for how well they've been with him through out.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 31, 2014
Express News screengrab of the PTI chief outside his container.
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August 31, 1:07pm
Supporters of Tahirul Qadri rest on the lawns of the Parliament premises following clashes with police in Islamabad on August 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 12:56pm
Police personnel and FC officials assaulted Express News cameraman Nasir Saleem, injuring him, Express News reported.
Other cameramen were also reportedly assaulted and have been taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.
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August 31, 11:52am
Pims Vice-Chancellor Prof Javed Akram, while speaking to media, said that one of the injured is in critical condition.
Express News reported that on PTI’s call there is a complete shutdown in Sajawal and Matli.
Roads leading to the Islamabad airport are reportedly closed.
Section 144 has been imposed in Sargodha, Bhakkar, Okara, Mianwali and Khushab.
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August 31, 11:52am
Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid told Express News that the government has not closed the doors for negotiations.
He added that no one from the global democratic world has shown support for the two protests in Islamabad.
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August 31, 11:38am
Former interior minister and PPP leader Rehman Malik, while speaking to Express News, said that in 16 days of protests there has been loss to the economy of billions of rupees.
He added that clashes are not good for political system and are not in the interest of the country under any circumstances.
“Nawaz should take a step back if possible and both sides should adopt the strategy of give and take so that they can get out of deadlock,” Malik stated.
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August 31, 11:25am
PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, while speaking to his supporters, said that during shelling by the police tear gas came into his car and as there was no fresh air and he had had an eye surgery earlier his eyes were affected greatly.
Qadri said that he could not speak as well, adding that he was still having difficulty speaking.
He thanked his party workers for their patience and thanked PTI as well.
“Imran Khan and I have a joint war, we have to win this war together and at any cost,” he added, referring to PTI’s and PAT’s protests against the government.
Qadri claimed that dozens of murder and attempted murder cases will be registered against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
PAT chief addressing his party workers. PHOTO: AFP
The PAT chief added that “the law will have them hanged and no power in the world will be able to save them.”
He further stated that daughters of the nation were being dishonoured in this country.
“A system of tyranny cannot be called a democracy,” he said.
He also remarked that no one will give Inqilab on a platter.
The PAT chief revealed that he will address his supporters in the evening today.
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August 31, 11:23am
Chief Minister Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Pervez Khattak, while speaking to reporters, said that the government has turned the police into murderers.
He stated that the government has come into power via rigging and is only here to loot the country.
Khattak also claimed that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan will not be able to get out of this situation.
PTI secretary general Jehangir Tareen, standing next to Khattak, said that media personnel from seven different news channels were assaulted by the police after being taken out of their DSNG vans.
Tareen also alleged that the government has destroyed state institutions.
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August 31, 11:15am
The initial investigation report of the clashes in Islamabad has been presented to the prime minister, Express News reported.
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August 31, 10:43am
PIMS spokesperson Dr Ayesha, while speaking to the media in Islamabad, said that one of the injured has passed away, bringing the total number of dead to two.
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August 31, 10:36am
Clashes are ongoing between the police and the protesters outside the Parliament House with police carrying out shelling and baton charging from time to time and the demonstrators charging the police with sticks and pelting stones, Express News reported.
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August 31, 10:26am
Express News screengrab of protesters charging the police with sticks outside the Parliament House.
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August 31, 10:18am
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while speaking to Express News, said that his party is collecting information regarding the incident and plans to go the relevant police station to get the FIR registered.
Qureshi also said that police hit the car which PTI leaders Asad Umar, Arif Alvi and Shafqat Mahmood were in with sticks.
The PTI leader added that police also charged journalists with batons.
He advised protesters to stay calm.
“Way of torture is not PTI’s way. Way of peace is our way,” he stated.
“Police should be withdrawn.”
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August 31, 10:02am
MQM chief Altaf Hussain has condemned the assault on journalists in Islamabad by the police.
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August 31, 9:45am
Police run towards protesters during clashes near the prime minister’s residence in Islamabad on August 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 9:12am
One person died and more than 400 were wounded in the clashes between police and protesters, hospital officials said Sunday, as a fortnight-long political impasse took a violent turn, AFP reported.
Read here for the full story.
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August 31, 8:46am
Police has started shelling again near the Pak Secretariat Chowk.
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August 31, 8:44am
Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has contacted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, and requested them to take notice of the altercation between journalists and the police.
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August 31, 8:29am
So many proofs that gov is using real bullets against peaceful protestors. #AzadiSquare pic.twitter.com/CaFiLk8Sl2
— PTI (@PTIofficial) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 8:25am
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson on twitter expressed disappointment over the clashes in Islamabad and asked his party workers to donate blood for the injured:
A sad & shameful day 4 Pakistan. All sides have handled this situation appallingly.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2014
I urge restraint & call on all parties to do their utmost to diffuse the situation.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2014
I call upon party workers to donate blood for injured protestors & police men. Pakistan Zindabad.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 7:35am
There are reports of an altercation between journalists and riot police in Islamabad.
Express News footage showed police personnel assaulting media personnel and breaking their equipment. The footage showed policemen taking a journalist out of his vehicle and beating him with sticks.
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August 31, 7:15am
Routes leading to CM House, CM’s residence, Punjab Assembly, and Governor House in Lahore have been closed using containers, barbed wires.
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August 31, 6:40am
Imran Khan appears atop his container again. Says they were protesting peacefully, as is their right. “What they have done (shelling by police) shows that they (the government) have not sincerity towards democracy.”
“We will not spare this Gullu Butt Chaudhry Nisar,” says Imran.
The PTI chief assures his supporters that he will stay with them till they get freedom, adding that there will be protests across the country against state oppression. “You have to give sacrifices to earn freedom. We have given sacrifices, but to attain freedom, nation has to give sacrifices.”
“You have seen what these Gullu Butts have done to peaceful protesters.”
Imran vows that they will struggle for freedom till the last minute. “Till the last breath we will battle these Gullu Butts. We will lodge FIRs against them, put their name on ECL, put them in jails and evict them.”
“They [government] have no right to stop us. Under what law are you stopping us [from going to the PM house]. This is our right.”
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August 31, 6:10am
Naveed Razzaq, 45, is the first confirmed casualty, who drowned after falling into a seven-foot, water-filled ditch, near the Secretariat Square. The ditch had been dug for the ongoing Metro Bus project.
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August 31, 6:02am
Heavy contingents of police have arrived to relive the officers on overnight duty near the PTV building.
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August 31, 5:50am
Imran Khan re-emerges atop his container, says they will confront the police. He adds that they will not spare Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif.
NS has made Shahrah e Dastoor a battle field,firing and shelling on protesters pic.twitter.com/5efAcRYf4i
— Ejaz Chaudhary (@EjazChaudhary) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 5:44am
Police has again started heavy shelling of tear gas near Secretariat Square.
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August 31, 5:36am
Express News reports that there are reports of a number of people who have fallen into a seven foot deep ditch near the Secretariat Square which had been dug as part of the Metro Bus construction.
According to rescue officials, people fell into the ditch overnight due to darkness.
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August 31, 5:07am
Imran Khan appears atop his container. Says they are peaceful, and were protesting peacefully when they were attacked.
The PTI chief added that they will register an FIR over the attack. “First, Shahbaz Sharif in Model Town attacked unarmed civilians, and now here [Islamabad], unarmed people were attacked.”
Imran said Sunday will be a decisive day, and they will protest all over Pakistan.
Just visited #PIMS, more than 300 injured including children nd women. Zulam c haq ki awaz dabaie nahi ja sakti.
— Murad Saeed (@MuradSaeedPTI) August 31, 2014
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August 31, 4:30am
Express News reports that police has resorted heavy shelling of teargas near the Cabinet Division.
This Express News screen grab shows police officials in riot gear at the entrance of the PIMS hospital in Islamabad
Paramedics move an injured policeman at a hospital after clashes with protesters in Islamabad on August 31, 2014. PHOTO: AFP
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August 31, 4:27am
PAT’s Umar Riaz says that they had promised to remain peaceful, but as they marched, the police suddenly started to fire tear gas shells. He added a number of PAT workers and members of their leadership were injrued in police shelling.
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Read our coverage of PTI’s Azadi March here and the Inqilab March here.