Pakistani Lawyers Protest Anti-Islam Movie
The legal fraternity of Rawalpindi and Islamabad joined the chorus of condemnation against an anti-Islam film on September 28. The protest rally of District Bar Association (DBA), Rawalpindi and Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) carrying black flags in hands and wearing black ribbons around their heads reached in front of Parliament House to denounce the sacrilegious movie of Americans.
The protest, organized by the District Bar Association (DBA), Rawalpindi, Islamabad District Bar Association (IBA) and Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA), was led by Rawalpindi Bar Association (RBA) President Sajid Ilyas Bhatti.
District Bar Association (DBA), Rawalpindi, observed a complete strike. They appeared from District Court Rawalpindi in a rally and marched towards the Parliament House where lawyers of Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) were already present. The lawyers presented a protest resolution against anti-Islam film to the Speaker National Assembly and chairman Senate. Senator Bilal-ur-Rehman took protest resolution from lawyers.
More than 200 riot police armed with batons and shields stood guard on the way leading to the Diplomatic Enclave.
District Bar Association (DBA), Rawalpindi, President Sajid Ilyas Bhatti said: “I don’t understand why the police were stopping us. It’s a peaceful rally and we have to record our protest before the U.S. Embassy.”
Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) President Javed Akbar Shah said that government should adopt strong stance on this serious issue otherwise it could create an unrest situation throughout the country.
“The government should stop the policy of appeasing the U.S.,” said a protester, castigating the country’s rulers for not officially registering their protest with the U.S.
Traffic remained block on different key roads in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on the occasion.
The protesting lawyers scuffled with rangers and police personnel at Shams Gate located at Nurpur Shahan (Imam Barri) side when they tried to enter the Diplomatic Enclave.
By Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
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Protests against Anti-Islam Film in Germany
