QUETTA: Opposition leader in Balochistan Assembly Malik Sikander Khan along with 15 other opposition lawmakers surrendered to the police today (Monday) after a first information report (FIR) was registered against them for attacking the assembly and lawmakers from the treasury benches.
Sixteen members of the Balochistan Assembly, including Akhtar Hussain Langove, Malik Naseer Shahwani, Sanaullah Baloch, and Ahmed Nawaz Baloch marched from the MPAs’ Hostel to the Bijli Road police station where they turned themselves in.
Meanwhile, MPA Abdul Waheed Siddiqui, who was injured during the violent incident, will go to Karachi for treatment, Sikandar said. The development came after the opposition lawmakers held consultation a day before after they were booked under several Sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The FIR includes clauses of meddling in the state matters, violating coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) and attacking police personnel.
Opposition lawmakers clash with police outside Balochistan Assembly
On Friday, Chaotic scenes erupted outside Balochistan Assembly as Opposition lawmakers and supporters, who were holding protests, were baton-charged by the district police.
According to a police spokesperson, Opposition lawmakers locked all four doors of the provincial Assembly to prevent the budget session from taking place. The Opposition’s protest intensified when the chief minister arrived at the assembly.
Clashes erupted when police arrived at the assembly gate at the Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Hostel when Opposition lawmakers and police exchanged heated words. Police were trying to open the doors of the assembly so that lawmakers can enter and the budget session can commence.
The budget session commenced under the chair of Speaker Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo. Opposition MPA Nasrullah Zehray accused the police of using violent methods to disperse the “peaceful protest” outside the assembly.
Sana Baloch, another MPA, lashed out at the government, saying that the province was at its worst state since its inception. He said lawmakers Abdul Wahid Siddiqui and Babar Rahim Mengal had been injured by the police’s armoured vehicle.
