The rally led by Dr Ashraf Asif Jalali of the TLYRA started early in the morning from the Data Shrine and culminated at The Mall amidst stringent security measures taken by law enforcers. Due to the rally, many commuters remained stuck for long hours on different roads leading to The Mall.
In a fiery speech, Dr Asif Ashraf reiterated his demand for resignation of Punjab Law Minister Rana Sana Ullah and warned the government of launching a massive movement against it in case his demand was not met. On the other hand, adjoining thoroughfares leading to Faisal Chowk also witnessed unusual traffic mess owing to security measures taken for the rally and closure of GPO Chowk for developmental work on the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project.
To avoid any untoward incident on the occasion, the police high-ups also held an emergency meeting to handle the situation in case the supporters tried to take the law in their hands. An extra contingent of the police was also put on alert to join the force after receiving any emergency call for security issue.
It may be noted that supporters of the TLYRA on November 2016 had also paralised the provincial capital after the law enforcement agencies initiated operation against its demonstrators for blocking twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A commuter, Majid Awan, while talking to this scribe, criticised the government for not properly handling such activities in the city, saying the writ of the state seems nowhere.
He said Mall Road had become a 'Hyde Park' for demonstrators where everyone came and did whatever he wanted. "I have seen every time police personnel protecting such people or demonstrators instead of initiating action against them," he said.
Another commuter, Muhammad Awais, said he was in hurry but got stuck on The Mall for over 30 minutes. "I had to reach a hospital to attend my sister who was suffering through labour pain," he said.
Many traders of different markets, including Mall Road, Hall Road Bidon Road and others also expressed similar views and criticised the government. Despite declaring Mall Road as red zone area of the city, the provincial government and the police department have not taken any concrete measure to stop such activities in this highly-sensitive area. They said they are major sufferers of various protests and rallies which are taken out by the people belonging to all walks of life after a period of one or two month.