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Police baton-charges blind protesters in Lahore, several injured

Dawn.com Published December 3, 2014

LAHORE: In a shocking act of violence, blind protesters were badly beaten by baton-wielding police in Lahore on Wednesday, DawnNews reported.

Protesters were staging a rally on Davis Road to advocate for their rights in view of World Disability Day, when they were were beaten by the police.

In an attempt to prevent the protesters from marching towards the Chief Minister Secretariat, mayhem ensued as police resorted to baton-charging as a result of which several protesters were injured. One of the injured persons was shifted to a hospital.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) member Abrarul Haq said the violence inflicted on blind protesters was condemnable, adding that his party would come out on the roads in protest against the violence.

This is not the first incident of its kind in the provincial capital. In June, at least 11 Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers were killed and over 100 people were injured during a clash with police personnel in Lahore.

Take a look: Youth, women among seven killed in PAT supporters' clash with police

The clash occurred when the administration reportedly tried to remove some barriers from roads around the place. The police action near Tahirul Qadri's Minhajul Quran Secretariat was widely condemned.

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waar

Dec 03, 2014 04:30pm

Justice prevails everywhere...tough administration like this is always mandatory to maintain stability in the region...well done

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Zeeshan

Dec 03, 2014 04:32pm

This is ridiculously disgusting.

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Haroon

Dec 03, 2014 04:37pm

Brutal response towards public by authorities. Another presentation to protect "DEMOCRACY".

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shabbzz

Dec 03, 2014 04:37pm

Such an act of 'Bravery' .... Wow !!!!!

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Hiwad

Dec 03, 2014 04:42pm

The beautiful face of democracy!!! Save democracy!! blind folk are asking for there rights and DEMOCRACY is beating them up!! No mercy no humanity!! Why shall we care about them, long live democracy, cause democracy comes with Landcruisers, Villas, health care in Europe, education for our children in Europe, shopping in Dubai etc. save democracy!! I m ashame on my self to be human after reading this!!

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Mariam

Dec 03, 2014 04:43pm

This is shameless. The government is sinking lower and lower each day. Attacking special people, this is what the PMLN govt has come to now. Would this happen in any real 'democracy'? You might not support IK, but if you still support Nawaz Sharif, Shame on you! Go Nawaz Go!

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saleem2

Dec 03, 2014 04:47pm

nobody goes near the official residence of the Shareef khandan.

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hrk

Dec 03, 2014 04:49pm

The only thing that is Blind is the punjab government. They do not see the injustice.

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mushy

Dec 03, 2014 04:50pm

The violence inflicted upon the people with disabilities should be condemned and culprits should be brought to book.

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Sohail

Dec 03, 2014 04:54pm

We stand up for leaders. We stand up for Gullus. We stand up for Salman Taseer. We stand up for Salman Taseer's Murderer's life sentence. We stand up for anything but we never stand up for the people with other abilities. No matter what government, what era, what politics this country went through, disabled has been bleeding here for centuries.

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Tughral T Ali

Dec 03, 2014 04:54pm

Its hard to imagine how Punjab police can sink any lower than the point it has already reached - but they seem to take this statement as a challenge and shock us with a new low every time

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zak

Dec 03, 2014 04:55pm

Only one police in the world is worse than criminals-Shabbaz sharifs Punjab Police.

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Aamir

Dec 03, 2014 04:59pm

what damn justification can be given for this madness. Come on these were blind protesters, what if they had reach the CM house? The CM should have personally met those disabled people but we know Khadim e aala is Mughal e Aala. Pity

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Sheraz Khalid

Dec 03, 2014 05:00pm

Dont know what to say on this blindness!!

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Mehtab

Dec 03, 2014 05:00pm

What a shame. ......blind people are not even spared from police brutality

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ghanshyam

Dec 03, 2014 05:01pm

They can only beat weak persons. When faced with real dacoits they hide under the bed.

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being human

Dec 03, 2014 05:03pm

whatever you do,do know that you will face your karma one day.

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habib

Dec 03, 2014 05:04pm

Need more evidence of brutality of "Great Punjab Police Force"?

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Naxalite

Dec 03, 2014 05:08pm

Baton charged the Blinds? Govt gone nuts!

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Sab

Dec 03, 2014 05:09pm

Dharna frustration taken out on blind people...next news flash Shahbaz Sharif takes notice, forms committee, suspends DPO and that's it

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Dr. R. Ansari

Dec 03, 2014 05:12pm

Police beating blind unarmed innocent protestors -SHAME, SHAME, SHAME! Did PM and CM of Punjab took "note" of it?

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Taimur

Dec 03, 2014 05:23pm

Shameful..CM will now order inquiry ...this is good governance

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Insafseeker

Dec 03, 2014 05:27pm

Shame shame shame..Punjab police has become a symbols of inhumanity and brutality. .shame on Punjab police shame on Punjab govt.

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Ali

Dec 03, 2014 05:27pm

Shame on Punjab Government! A notice will be taken. An inquiry will be called and there would be no result. I think, the protesters are lucky. They were not killed by the police for raising their voices against injustice which is now the norm of our soceity. So sad ...

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Faizan

Dec 03, 2014 05:33pm

I would like to hear how PML-N apologists spin this story.

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Anarchist

Dec 03, 2014 05:35pm

SS will take notice and add this latest notice to an already long list of useless notices. This is what happens when you treat state institutions as your personal property and appoint officers not based on merit, but loyalty. Seriously, all Pakistani state institutions, barring military, are on a downward spiral because of an unprofessional approach by politicians and babus (bureaucrats). No wonder Pakistan is a 'fast-failing' state.

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Zeeshan

Dec 03, 2014 05:36pm

Punjab Police is only protecting Sharif family. The common man has to take care of his protection himself.

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SMI

Dec 03, 2014 05:37pm

Shame on Punjab Police on this act....They are showing their real face.

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A Kashifi

Dec 03, 2014 05:41pm

Unbelievable...

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Sunny

Dec 03, 2014 05:48pm

Thumbs down to Police and provincial govt.

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Dr Ghulam Ali

Dec 03, 2014 05:51pm

True face of "democracy" and true face of Sharif dynasty

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adnan

Dec 03, 2014 05:54pm

hence proved law is blind

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karachiwala

Dec 03, 2014 05:54pm

Imagine the post injury of a blind person, doing the daily chores with the injured body.

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think_then_speak

Dec 03, 2014 06:05pm

NS and Shabaz should take note. It is presenting a negative picture of the ruling party. 3rd December is the international day for the people with disability. Shahabaz would have graced the rally by participating in it. The harrassment of the unarmed civilian is a stigma on the character of Punjab police and PML N.

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Danish

Dec 03, 2014 06:09pm

This is insanity by the Police. This makes me wonder as to who in fact was the blind between the two confronting parties.

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Khurram

Dec 03, 2014 06:17pm

Now what our judges will do ask the blind person do you recognize the culprit ? NO SIR WE DON'T. NO Evidence.... CASE CLOSED !!!

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Janu Not-German

Dec 03, 2014 06:21pm

Andha Qanoon

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KUKhan

Dec 03, 2014 06:24pm

Yet again the cruel Punjab Police was at its worst. The actions clearly reflect the mindset and leadership of the police. At he end of the day, it really does not matter, because there will be apologies, suspensions and everyone will forget about it till the time another breaking news of similar nature will get our attention, etc. Fear of God and justice seem a far distant concern for the nation.

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JUSTICE

Dec 03, 2014 06:28pm

This is another reason we need bring changes in government. Police of Punjab is only protecting VIP. CM have to fire all police force & replace them with honest and qualify police. Because of this incident Pakistan reputation have been tarnished in all over the world. Act of Punjab police is like savage animals.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 03, 2014 06:31pm

What a great tragedy?

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Overseas Pakistani

Dec 03, 2014 06:31pm

Shame on Police for beating up blind people. The government should show some compassion & deal with the issues of the blind people. They have a huge disability & it is the responsibility of the government & the entire nation to help them with improving their quality of life. Nations are judged by how they treat & look after the most vulnerable among them. They need support & should not be mistreated by the government & police. Shame on police & the government. The police officer responsible for this action should be reprimanded.

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waar

Dec 03, 2014 06:39pm

Any anti government movement should be controlled in this way ..I think ik also deserves this kind of treatment to stop him from creating destruction to the region

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imran ali

Dec 03, 2014 06:46pm

Shame to fake democracy.....they cannot tolerate blind protestors..

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waqas khalid

Dec 03, 2014 06:50pm

Shamefull act!!!! This is what this democracy is giving us!!!

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Talha

Dec 03, 2014 06:58pm

Thank you Dawn for highlighting this. This is utterly shameful. I feel embarrassed and disgusted.

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Fariha

Dec 03, 2014 07:09pm

Blind police force of blind government. Shameful!

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MAD

Dec 03, 2014 07:13pm

I never thought that Punjab Govt/ Police could sink any lower than they already have. Today I am proven wrong as they sunk even below their own low standards of decency. Am truly ashamed today.

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MUGHAL

Dec 03, 2014 07:21pm

Where is Human Rights Champion Asma Jehangir.

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Farooq

Dec 03, 2014 07:34pm

A highly shameful and brutal act of Lahore police. This is the worst part of Punjab government. Lahore police is smudge on face of Punjab.

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Rationalist

Dec 03, 2014 07:40pm

How can anyone do that ???? How can anyone even think about doing this ??? We must help them and no such thing should ever happen in any society again.

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Shehz

Dec 03, 2014 07:41pm

A few-thousand strong mob around the secretariat and no action, but a few disabled persons near the CM house and Shahbaz Sharif sends out his gullu butts. Isn't it the democratic right of citizens to walk past a civil servant's official residence? At one end PMK-N claims that they still have popular support and majority, and at another end they show cowardice and insecurity.

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Iqbal Khan

Dec 03, 2014 07:43pm

Ah, what can we say! we people have neither Islamic virtues of respect nor have general ethical standard to provide special attention to these people. They are totally ignored and socially isolated. What other nations facilitate them, you cannot imagine. From social services to access to employment is obviously exemplary. Here in the UK we can see their law is implemented in its full spirit. These people have respect and preference in every walk of life. The Equality Act 2010 protects them and covers of their recruitment, employment, redundancy, etc. Even selection process for redundancy is maintained to be fair and balanced for all employees. Similarly, The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 does give them not to be discriminated against access to everyday life services. Likewise, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities for a reason related to their disability. Now compare our police and their bosses. If they themselves do not understand the rights of a citizen of Pakistan how can we expect any good from their side. Please stand up against these exploiters who have corrupted and ruined the whole social setup of our country.

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sohail

Dec 03, 2014 07:52pm

PMLN Gullus at work again

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Asad Malik

Dec 03, 2014 07:55pm

These blind protesters have better vision than PML-N supporters.

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whatever

Dec 03, 2014 07:57pm

For people like us, ignorant and foolish that we are, will ignore this incident as always.

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Arslan

Dec 03, 2014 08:31pm

One wonders who the blind ones are ---- the people who cannot see or those blinded by fear or lust?Is the faith of the policemen so weak that they will hit blind people in the interest of protecting their jobs?

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Norozkhan

Dec 03, 2014 08:43pm

I like to see the names published of DPO, SP, DIG and IG who ordered the police to baton charge the crowd with disabilities. I guess poor, weaker and people with disabilities have no right to live in Pakistan.

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Khalid

Dec 03, 2014 09:06pm

Chief Minister of Punjab should resign. I am ashamed to be a Pakistani. Sharam Karo.

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Njaved

Dec 03, 2014 09:19pm

So who is blind here? I believe Punjab Police and Punjab government!

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hira shah

Dec 03, 2014 09:36pm

as usual judicial commission will be made to probe the incident and report will never be made public, all responsible person as per the inquiry report will get promoted..............this is how justice is serve in NS and SS reign

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Female Dr

Dec 03, 2014 09:36pm

@waar you should be ashamed of yourself, justice is supposed to be served in courts with the accused having the right to defend themselves. Not on the streets with baton charging by someone's personal police force.

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Rashid Nasim

Dec 03, 2014 09:57pm

Let me try to help CM and his Gullu butts understand what Blind means. My Dear CM: Blind means people who cannot see. This means that blind people cannot see where the baton swing is coming from, they cannot protect themselves. They are venerable. In other countries; people with handicap like Blind people have rights. May God give you some guidance.

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bkt

Dec 03, 2014 10:10pm

Absolutely disgusting reaction of the government. It shows only how frightened they are of any protest. Or is it the government's new strategy to drive all defenseless people into the arms of the PTI?

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A. Mangal

Dec 03, 2014 11:06pm

Sheer stupidity of Shabaz clan beating blinds! Don't they have right to protest in your style of democracy?

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Ahsan

Dec 03, 2014 11:23pm

Although i am a strong supporter of maintenance of law and order by the government agencies but this is disgusting. What threat could blind people pose? They were just asking for their rights which are no doubt denied by the public and government alike. Shameful, whoever ordered this action should apologize to the community of disabled people. Shameful act by the government!!!

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Ihsan

Dec 03, 2014 11:37pm

Shocked to see such inhuman and horrific acts by the so called "Muhafiz" of the state. I lost words to describe my feelings......

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Norozkhan

Dec 03, 2014 11:39pm

Any Pakistani with conscious, empathy and humanity would like to see officials responsible of the brutality on Blind people in Lahore must be dismissed immediately, no more Police investigating police and no more fake commission headed b some Judge.

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Dec 03, 2014 11:42pm

Extreme shameful act, the SSP of Lahore should resign right away.

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Asgher Ali

Dec 03, 2014 11:44pm

How low will we get. For God's sake, why do we not rise up and side with those who stand against this kind Pharaoic actions. Why do we not rise to bring the shameful perpetrators down to dust? When will it happen? Have we become so insensitive that this kind of disrespect to some people who have not been blessed with the same gift as we are goes unnoticed. Those who inflicted the injuries and those who ordered the injuries tio be inflicted should be brought out in public and punishment handed in public and dismissed from public service. Nothing surpasses in despicability than this action by the Lahore lawmen!

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Baba De Kamaqlano

Dec 03, 2014 11:52pm

Who will stop such brutalities??

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Asgher Ali

Dec 03, 2014 11:53pm

@waar Your comment is just as insensitive and disgusting as the act itself. I pray no one in your family is or will ever be in the same category as these poor handicapped people who suffered the physical punishment from the heartless police!

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Pakfan23

Dec 04, 2014 12:24am

Seems like police are more blind than those who were born blind. Reminds me of an era when people buried their new born daughters alive. People who were protesting don't have the sense of sight and thus they are blind. On the other hand, Punjab policemen have eyes, but their hears are blind for which there is no treatment.

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Abbas Ali

Dec 04, 2014 12:55am

Even no military dictatorship in the world can match it. Even former USSR can't match it.

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Karachite

Dec 04, 2014 12:59am

I urge PTI to raise voice on behalf of the eyeless against this tyranny. I guarantee I will come on roads.

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Syed Jafri

Dec 04, 2014 01:00am

@waar What you talking about justice??? This is an absolute disgrace. This is shameful and beyond my comprehension. Is this democracy? How can you have democracy when you don't have humanity.

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saint_667

Dec 04, 2014 01:09am

The police are not imported from abroad - they are from among us and represent the psyche of our nation. People keep on banging about corruption in elites while even a fruit seller will swindle you in Pakistan. This dishonesty is ingrained in our nation since childhood.

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Mohammad hussaain

Dec 04, 2014 01:10am

@Tughral T Ali Brother u r right! Tears are coming to my eyes! My poor brothers pushed and beaten. Justice will prevail

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jkumar

Dec 04, 2014 01:22am

@Hiwad What democracy has to do with inhuman acts by some police. They should be held responsible.

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BUBBLE CHANDRA

Dec 04, 2014 01:42am

Who are blind those poor protesters or the police ?

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Confused

Dec 04, 2014 01:57am

I have read the article - I have read the comments. Is there anyone to tell me that how the blind persons managed to gather and march towards the CM secretariat ? Who was guiding them ? Can they read the google maps ? Is there any Confucius out there to explain ?

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nadeem

Dec 04, 2014 02:01am

I am in south Africa and it was headline in south Africa and international. Shame on us

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Zainullah Khan

Dec 04, 2014 02:12am

@ghanshyam Totally agree with you Ghanshyam.

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Dr Carla

Dec 04, 2014 03:20am

Any humanity left in Pakistan ?

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Fight VIP

Dec 04, 2014 03:20am

Shocking how Punjab police in Lahore attacked the visually-challenged people's rally. They were only demanding their right to employment. Outrageous how Punjab police justify the attack by saying the President had to pass so road had to be cleared. Unacceptable VIP culture!

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MAD

Dec 04, 2014 04:24am

What a shame!

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Jason

Dec 04, 2014 04:45am

Had this happened in India, media would have gone in a frenzy and the police would've been taken to task. Unfortunately, Pakistan does not value human lives as much!

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Urooj

Dec 04, 2014 04:57am

No wonder so many people are leaving Pakistan. I have been out if Pakistan for a number of years and continuously defend our beloved countries in discussions but I think there is nothing left to defend.

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Syed

Dec 04, 2014 05:29am

This is what you get under zar and shar.

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Yusufzai

Dec 04, 2014 06:15am

This is the difference between Kp police and Punjab police. Thank God i live in Kp people who know what's good for them and the region. Feeling so proud today but one thing that will pinch me would be the rest of pakistan my people who would suffer for another 2 years. God protect them!!!!

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Syed A. Kazmi

Dec 04, 2014 06:50am

I as a Pakistani feel ashamed - in the first place we have no considerations for these disabled members of the society and then on top of it government machinery is mercilessly used to suppress the deprived public. Shame on whole system which is not able to protect disabled.

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Proud Pakistani

Dec 04, 2014 07:19am

Gullu Butts in action....Thank God they dint kill anyone...Save Democracy but not the people

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@OnLineDahwah2U

Dec 04, 2014 07:50am

Who live in Pakistan? The dream of dr Iqbal? The mission of Qusid? Police in police state

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Hamid Ali Tabatabai

Dec 04, 2014 08:10am

@waar Are you out of your mind. Beating up blind people is maintaining stability to you. I am sorry but youre a fool of first order.

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Mudassar Siddiq

Dec 04, 2014 08:24am

I have a question here. SHOULD A BLIND PERSON OR ANY OTHER HANDICAPPED CITIZEN CAN BE ALLOWED TO BREAK THE LAW. Most of us don`t know what was the actual situation in which Police was compelled to do it. We are just BLINDLY blaming the authorities by neglecting the fact that the law is equal for everyone.

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Imad Qureshi

Dec 04, 2014 08:40am

How low they can go? What else they can get away with?

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Justice

Dec 04, 2014 09:26am

@Confused you are rightly confused.

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Qaisar

Dec 04, 2014 09:28am

What else can we expect from Punjab Police? Their name should be changed to Brutal Guard for Elites and their salary bills should be paid by Sharif family. Ordinary people don't have any right to be protected in Punjab. Great performance by Punjab Government after Model Town Incident. Well done. World is really appreciating how professional Punjab government and police are.

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Imran

Dec 04, 2014 09:47am

Shame Pmln shame. Dunya main badnaam kr diya hamain

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Tahira

Dec 04, 2014 09:53am

This is such a shameful act again by Punjab Police. I guess Punjab govt high ups are sleeping. Baton charge on blind people protesting for their due rights is barbaric and highly condemn able. Shame !!!

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Shaikh Salman

Dec 04, 2014 10:15am

Parliament is busy in maintaining democracy'.....Shame on all... Now the JIT will be made with no use and CM will say I will resign if culprits are not brought to justice. This is will go on and on and on forever...

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sharabi

Dec 04, 2014 10:18am

seems to me India & Pakistan are equal when we talk about Police.

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thavaseelan

Dec 04, 2014 10:27am

arrogance of a Blind government

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Someone

Dec 04, 2014 10:30am

@Confused Next thing you would ask is how are they alive, right ?! Just stop thinking!

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Syed Ahmed

Dec 04, 2014 10:35am

@waar: Are you serious?

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Mumtaz

Dec 04, 2014 10:44am

Worst example of brutality.

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Ahmed

Dec 04, 2014 10:46am

Just hate this so called Democracy. The govt has responsibility to take care of special persons. The responsible minister should resign on this incident.

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commoner

Dec 04, 2014 11:26am

and the cycle repeats itself, police brutality followed by superficial measures like suspension. The issue dies down and the responsible go free till such next episode.

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