PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE: With over 900 rallies and 400 protests over the last year in the provincial capital, the Lahore police have certainly had their hands full with these demonstrations. Undoubtedly, such events distract the force from its primary objective of curbing street crime and other similar incidents.



Most of the demonstrations have taken place on Mall Road and Shimla Pahari, causing losses worth millions to businesses due to roadblocks and other hindrances.



Similarly, traffic police also faced a lot of trouble maintaining smooth vehicular flow in the city. According to official statistics provided by the Punjab police, in 2018, religious parties organised two public gatherings on Mall Road, 15 processions, 22 seminars, 92 protests, two conventions, 49 rallies and blocked 33 roads to press for their demands.



Political parties organised four anti-government public gatherings, 21 seminars, 64 protesters, 384 conventions, 61 rallies and blocked roads 24 times. Moreover, 228 protests and 167 rallies were organised by WAPDA employees, teachers, students, doctors, paramedical staff, clerks, lawyers, journalists, traders, rickshaw unions and other citizens. Around 122 protests were staged against the police. The favourite stomping grounds for protesters were Faisal Chowk on Mall Road, Shimla Pahari and the outside area of the Lahore Press Club.



Some protesters believed that their messages would public representatives by protesting outside the Punjab Assembly, Mall Road and outside he Lahore Press Club. However, any protest becomes a test of attrition for the traffic police.



Chief Traffic Police Officer Malik Liaquat said Mall Road is the busiest road of the city. Around 90% of transport passes through it. “As soon as we receive a call about a protest, wardens are immediately deployed on roads adjoining the Mall to maintain the flow of traffic.”



DIG Operations Ashfaq Khan says the security of the protesters is first priority. As soon as the control room if informed of a protest, the SP reaches the spot and immediately deploys police officers. After this, SP Security deploys the Anti-Riot Force to deal with any emergency. He maintains terror attacks on protests have caused the deaths of citizens and police officials, including a DIG and SSP on duty. He stressed that taking a risk, therefore, was out of the question.



Khan explained that it was the responsibility of the police to ensure that the lives and property of citizens was protected. To this end, police often negotiate with protesters and solve issues. IN 2019, police have also lodged 10 cases and arrested dozens of protesters. On the other hand, traders also face difficulties due to these protests.



Speaking to The Express Tribune, Trader Leader Babar Mehmood said that there are big business centres of electronics and garment on Mall Road.



At the same time, Buyers and shopkeepers also visit commercial centers of the city by using the same road. Business activity is severely affected due to the protests. “Government and law enforcement agencies should strictly implement judicial order and restrict the protesters only to Nasir Bagh so that businesses are not affected.”



Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2019.