Two dead as PIA protesters clash with police

Author: Web Desk

KARACHI – The two protesting workers of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) were dead during clash between Rangers and the police while marching towards Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

Water canon was used to disperse the employees who are protesting against proposed privatisation of the PIA. According to private TV channel, police and rangers resorted to baton charge and fired teargas shells after stone-pelting by infuriated workers, leaving dozens of them injured.

A large number of women protestors was also in the protest rally that was taken out a day after enforcement of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to ban workers’ protest.

A PIA worker – who was suffered a gunshot wound during the protest, later succumbed to his injury at a private hospital. The victim was identified as Inayat Raza, who was working at IT department of PIA. An empty shell of Sub Machine Gun (SMG) was found from the scene.

– Rangers, police deny handling protesters violently –

In a statement, the Rangers and the police spokespersons said that none of the personnel fired shots over protestors. Despite promulgation of the law, the workers of national flag carrier went ahead with their plan to bring countrywide flight operations to standstill today.

– ‘Shots fired at peaceful protestors’ –

PIA workers’ union leader Nadeem Qaisar claimed that the airline employees who were protesting at Karachi airport were injured in firing by law-enforcing personnel.

– Enraged PIA workers vow to carry on protest –

PIA workers joint action committee head Sohail Baloch said that the employees will continue their protest till their demands are met.