LAHORE: Former Punjab law minister, Rana Sanullah and former secretary Chief Minister Punjab Dr. Tauqir Shah did not appear before the tribunal probing the Model Town incident, citing apprehensions over security situation.
During today’s proceedings, the counsel of Rana Sanaullah adopted the stance before the tribunal that his client could not come due to the volatile security situation in Lahore in the backdrop of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Tahirul Qadri’s arrival.
He said once the security situation improves, Rana Sanaullah will attend the tribunal’s proceedings and testify.
Similar stance was adopted by Dr Tauqir Shah’s lawyer who said his client will have no problem appearing before the tribunal on any other day.
Secretary Health told the tribunal that most of the people sustained bullet injuries in the Model Town clash between police and PAT workers. He said the injured also include twenty-five police officers and personnel.
Chief Secretary Punjab said a joint investigation team has been constituted to probe the issue and that cheques were being prepared for disbursement of Rs3 million each to the bereaved families.
The inquiry tribunal directed the Chief Secretary to appear in the next hearing along with a report containing details of high-level bureaucratic transfers made prior to the Model Town incident.
Later, the tribunal summoned Rana Sanaullah and Tauqir Shah for the next hearing to be held on June 26.
Eight people including women were killed and scores others injured in a clash between police and PAT workers during an anti-encroachment drive here in Model Town last week.