PML-N workers, security forces clash over Hamza Shahbaz’s arrest

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Large number of Pakistan Muslim-Nawaz (PML-N) workers gathered at the main entrance to the Shehbaz Sharif’s Model Town residence to resist Hamza Shahbaz’s arrest, on Saturday.

According to reports, the PML-N workers faced an intense standoff with security personnel.

Many party workers were observed trying to break through barriers placed by police, and clashed with officers. Other workers chanted full-throat slogans against police and the government.

It is to be mentioned here that NAB team once again raided Shehbaz Sharif’s house to nab Hamza Shahbaz over charges of money laundering and assets beyond known sources of income. The team also called in Rangers to assist the action.

However, Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) barred anti-corruption watchdog from arresting Hamza Shahbaz till April 8.

LAHORE: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team has once again reached Shehbaz Sharif’s residence to arrest his son Hamza Shehbaz, on Saturday.

According to reports, Police, Rangers and other security agencies have cordoned off Shehbaz Sharif’s 96-H Model Town residence. Police has been stationed outside the main gate of the house and contingents of female police officers are also present.

A large number of PML-N workers also reached the residence and clashed with police as they attempted to reach the gate of the house.

Additional Director NAB Chaudhry Asghar while speaking to PML-N lawyer Atta Tarrar outside the Shehbaz family residence said, “We are here to arrest Hamza and should be allowed to go inside the house.”

He added that they have Hamza’s arrest warrant.

The NAB additional director said, “We are not being allowed inside the residence to arrest Hamza and no one is cooperating with us.”

He added that Hamza is a renowned politician and should behave like one. Hamza should not hide behind workers,” he asserted. “The whole Pakistan is watching that a renowned politician is hiding from arrest.”

The NAB additional director said, “I do not have any weapon on me and I am not a terrorist. I am here to arrest Hamza as per the law. There are multiple cases against Hamza — he was involved in money laundering and the country is not moving forward but we all can see who is moving ahead.”

Furthermore, while talking to private news channel, PML-N leader Malik Ahmed Khan said, “NAB is ignoring LHC orders and misinterpreting Supreme Court’s directives.”

“The government has made a NAB state and these raids are being carried out on Imran Khan’s orders,” he added. “NAB officers are issuing political statements and it seems that they prepared what to say after sitting down with Shahbaz Gill.”

Malik Ahmed Khan further said that they have appealed to party workers to remain peaceful.