PML-N, though a bit encouraged by Wednesday’s spontaneous reaction against the verdict, was not fully satisfied with its magnitude. – AP photo.

Within hours of the SC’s verdict to disqualify the Sharif brothers from contesting elections, President Asif Ali Zardari imposed direct central rule in the Punjab for two months. Defending the decision, a PPP spokesperson cited potential “anarchy” as angry activists took to the streets after Sharif in a press conference exhorted people to come out in protest.

The government wisely refrained from using police force to prevent the protests, as angry activists in various cities burned tyres, blocked traffic, and attacked property. In Rawalpindi, some even destroyed posters of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and damaged the memorial at the public park where she was assassinated on Dec. 27, 2008.

‘Religious militants’ are widely believed to be behind her murder, barely two weeks before the scheduled polls which Bhutto had convinced her former rival Nawaz Sharif to contest, instead of boycotting them as he was planning to do.

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BB portrait set on fire

RAWALPINDI: PML-N protestors on Wednesday burnt life-size portrait of Benazir Bhutto at the main gates of Liaquat Bagh where she was assassinated in a gun-bomb attack on December 27, 2007. The mob also burnt PPP banners and destroyed a monument built in Bhutto’s memory. In addition, they destroyed election office of PPP Rawalpindi President Aamir Fida Paracha near Waris Khan. The buildings decorated with PPP flags became target of stones.

Reply in same coin: Paracha told Daily Times that the PPP workers, who revered BB and her memories, would reply PML-N in the same coin. He said PML-N had spoiled political harmony in the city and forgot sacrifices of BB for the cause of democracy in a ‘shameful manner’. He said PML-N should remember that BB managed to bring it into parliamentary politics after it had announced boycott of the general elections. He said, “We will plan our next course of action in consultation with party leaders.” Two branches of Muslim Commercial Bank came under attack at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Road. The attackers first tied policemen up with PML-N flags and then stoned the banks. City Police Officer (CPO) Rao Muhammad Iqbal said BB monument was near the main road, where the mob had an easy access, terming the act against ethics. He said the situation was under control and the hoodlums would not be spared. People’s life and property would be protected at any cost, he added. staff report (Daily Times)

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Protesters also attacked a monument at Liaquat Bagh on the site of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. They tore down and set ablaze posters with pictures of Benazir, and demolished a board showing pictures of those killed in the December 27, 2007 suicide attack. Protesters beat up the people visiting the site and broke the windows of vehicles passing by.

An angry mob of about 500 people gathered on The Mall in Lahore. Protesters attacked banners of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and tore down hoardings carrying pictures of the president, prime minister and the Punjab governor.

A PML-N worker attempting to rob a shop during a demonstration in the Peer Wadhai area of Rawalpindi was shot dead by the shopkeeper. Police arrested four suspects after the killing, a private TV channel said.

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Sindh Minister Rafiq Baloch and Advisor to the Sindh CM Rashid Rabbani denounced the PML-N for desecrating portraits of ZA Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari. “This shameful act of the PML-N may stir tension,” they warned in a joint statement issued on Wednesday. They further warned that the Sharif Brothers must control their workers and supporters so that democratic process can continue smoothly. If they don’t do it, only undemocratic elements will benefit from tension, they added. irfan ali (Daily Times)

PPP leaders lodge FIR against Nawaz, others

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Mazhar Tufail

ISLAMABAD: Some Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders belonging to Rawalpindi on Wednesday submitted an application to local police for registration of FIR against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and some other leaders for allegedly burning the memorial of Benazir Bhutto and posters of President Asif Zardari at Liaquat Bagh.

According to the application submitted to SHO City Police, MPA Nargis Faiz Malik, Chaudhry Banaras, Chaudhry Asad and other PPP leaders nominated the PML-N Quaid, MNAs Pervez Khan, Hanif Abbasi and other activists in the FIR.

“The PPP leaders and activists have been putting immense pressure on the police for immediate action on their application,” a police source told The News requesting anonymity. When contacted by this correspondent, Nargis Faiz Malik confirmed the submission of the application and claimed that the SHO concerned had assured them of registration of the report against the PML-N leaders and workers by Thursday morning.

“We warn Nawaz Sharif and company not to use the language he used on Wednesday against President Zardari and the PPP. I want to tell the PML-N leader to go only to such an extent to which they have tolerance,” she said. (The News)

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