LAHORE - City lawyers Monday took to streets protesting against the killing of their colleagues in Daska. Protesters blocked road to mount up pressure on the government to bring culprits to book.
Taking notice of the matter, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik directed the government to deploy Rangers in Daska to control the situation. Flanked by other judges, he also visited Daska to meet protesting lawyers. The CJ directed Sialkot district and sessions judge to look into the matter and report to him.
The chief justice also visited Mayo Hospital to inquire after the wounded lawyers shifted there from Daska. He directed the MS and doctors to ensure best treatment. A group of lawyers surrounded the car of the Justice Malik and registered their protest. The CJ consoled the lawyers and assured them of justice. Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) announced countrywide protests and three-day mourning today (Tuesday).
Earlier, the protesting lawyers blocked Mall Road and marched towards Punjab Assembly. Shouting slogans for justice, they attempted to get in the assembly but they were stopped by the lawmen.
The lawyers were reported to have beaten a cop and thrashed people. A mob of lawyers ransacked Commissioner’s Office and manhandled the staff.  They also demanded Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif take action against police for murdering lawyers.  They said they would continue their protest until and unless the Chief Minister personally visits them. The strong protest by the lawyers forced many of the judges of the high court to remain stranded at the courts’ building.
Supreme Court Bar Association President Fazal Haq Abbasi led a delegation at a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Monday. During the meeting, they discussed post-Daska murder situation and the chief minister assured the lawyers of bringing culprits to book.
He stressed the need for better policing and urged lawyers to play their party for speedy justice. Shahbaz lauded lawyers’ role for in revival of democracy in the country.
He said his Punjab government has adopted measures for good governance and transparent utilization of resources in the province. He said that power and accountability are linked together.
The CM announced Rs50 million grant for Supreme Court Bar Association and directed Health Secretary to work on free medial medical facilities for lawyers.
Abbasi praised Shahbaz for his commitment and dedication for the welfare of the people of the province. He said other provincial chiefs should follow Shahbaz.
Separately, addressing a high level meeting at Civil Secretariat through video link, the Punjab CM said that the Daska incident was  highly heartrending and Punjab government equally shared the grief of the bereaved families of deceased.  He said that Punjab government has immediately ordered judicial inquiry of the incident and a letter has been written to Lahore High Court in this regard. He said that a joint investigation team will also be constituted for conducting investigation of the incident.
 Shahbaz Sharif said that there was no justification of firing on lawyers by the police. He said that justice will be provided to the aggrieved families at every cost and cabinet committee should take every possible step after reviewing the entire situation. The Chief Minister said that the persons responsible of firing will not escape deterrent punishment. A report was also presented to the Chief Minister about the tragic incident of Daska. Provincial Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed, MPA Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, Secretary Home and senior officers attended the meeting through video link. Commissioner Gujranwala Division and RPO Gujranwala also attended the meeting through video link.