Roads blocked, markets closed as PPP protests Zardari’s arrest

LAHORE (92 News) – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers forcefully shut down markets, blocked roads and burned tires to protest the arrest of former president Asif Ali Zardari in different cities across Pakistan on Monday. According to the reports, the PPP workers held a strong protest in different cities and raised slogans against the federal government and the National Acountability Bureau (NAB). It is pertinent to mention here that earlier today, the corruption watchdog body arrested Zardari outside his residence in Islamabad’s F-8. Party workers staged protests across the country, mainly in Nawabshah, Larkana, Sukkur, Lahore, Hyderabad and Karachi. Despite the party chairperson’s orders to protest peacefully, countless PPP workers were seen flooding the streets of Sindh with many holding a stick in one hand and the party flag in the other. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had asked his party workers to remain calm and engage only in peaceful protests as it is their democratic right. PPP workers held a rally in Gujranwala to protest against the arrest of PPP co-chairman. The protesters carried placards and party flags and chanted “Aik Zardari Sb Pe Bhari.” Meanwhile, in Lahore protest was recorded on 9 different places. Faisal Mir led a protest at Gulab Devi metro station. The roads blocked after PPP workers burnt tires. Metro service remained blocked due to the protest. A number of party workers and Zardari’s children Bilawal and Aseefa saw him off as the former president was driven away in a black Landcruiser. The emotional scene has also been seen when Zardari hugs and kisses with her daughter Aseefa Zaradri. After sitting in the NAB’s vehicle, Bilawal Bhutto also gave kiss on the face of Zardari and see off him. The PPP co-chairman was shifted to the NAB Rawalpindi office. The arrest comes hours after the Islamabad High Court rejected an application seeking extension in the pre-arrest bails of Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur in the fake accounts case. Police personnel, including female officials, had entered the former president’s house after the court decision. All roads leading to the residence were blocked by police. The reports said that Asif ALi Zardari will be presented before the accountability court Islamabad tomorrow (on Tuesday).