ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Public property worth more than Rs 170 million has been damaged by protestors since their sit-in at D-Chowk Islamabad three days ago, besides suspension of business activities and transport in the Federal Capital.
Similarly, 50 policemen have been injured in clashed with the protestors.
According to Islamabad District Administration sources, the Metro bus service remained suspended for last three days and resultantly, the people commuting between the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were facing hardships.
Metro Bus Service’s stations of Parade Ground and China Chowk on Jinnah Avenue were damaged by the protestors. Besides several motorbikes parked around stations, heavy power generators and other installations were also set on fire. Two official motorbikes were snatched from the policemen.
The official sources estimated that the damage caused to the metro bus service stations was more than Rs 130 million while revenue of approximately Rs 4 million had been lost due to the suspension of the service till date.
According to police sources, the wireless set of Station House Officer Kohsar police was snatched by the protestors, while a vehicle of fire brigade (GV-681) was damaged. Three containers (TLA-559, Haripur C-2353 and Haripur C-2283) were set on fire while police patrolling vehicle were also damaged.
Fire Brigade’s vehicle driver Hyat Khan and AFO Fire Brigade Haq Nawaz were thrashed by the protestors.
Meanwhile, Islamabad police said that six First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at three police stations.
He said that two FIRs each have been registered at Industrial area, Kohsar and Secretariat police stations.
Meanwhile, traders of Blue area have expressed displeasure over destruction of public property and suspension of business activities.
Farukh, who runs a laptop selling shop in Blue Area, said his business had been affected due to the sit-in and urged the government to take measures for restoring normalcy in the Capital’s business hub.
President All Pakistan Traders Union Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry while talking to media condemned suspension of business activities in Blue Area due to the ongoing protest.
Meanwhile, the police on Tuesday arrested more than 100 protestors and presented them in the courts of judicial magistrates.
They were sent to jail after the courts gave their remand to the police.
Source: APP