Major sit-ins by a religious party which severely disrupted traffic and had thousands of people stranded for hours a day earlier started to wrap up Tuesday morning.
In addition, they burned George W. Bush effigies and denounced the government for backing the international decision to fight terrorism. They also vowed to back Osama bin Laden and the Taliban in their alleged fight against forces hostile to Islam.
Strong anti-riot police presences were kept at all citywide sensitive locations under constant observation. In order to prevent any unpleasant incidents, they escorted the processions with plainclothesmen as well.
Like on Monday, all of the demonstrations were conducted peacefully, but the organizers of them harshly denounced the government for allegedly aiding anti-Islamic forces in their campaign against Islam.
During the protests, traffic was suspended, which caused issues for the public, particularly on Ferozepur Road where traffic jams persisted for a while and were inconvenient for drivers.
On the request of the Pak-Afghan Defence Council, the Majlis-i-Ahrar Pakistan coordinated the main gathering, which was held on Ferozepur Road next to Jamia Ashrafia. Many Sunni seminary students conducted a parade from Lohari Gate to Charing Cross, where they set fire to Mr. Bush’s effigy.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maulana Samiul Haq, and Maulana Azam Tariq were placed under house arrest; they were denounced and their immediate release was sought.
Another rally was scheduled for Lahore on Wednesday, and on Thursday, the main parade of the Pak-Afghan Defence Council’s constituent parties was scheduled.
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