In less than four weeks Farooq Tariq, General Secretary Labour Party Pakistan, was arrested second time in early hours of Tuesday, 5th June 2007 by a heavy contingent of Punjab Police from his residence in Lahore. He has been detained at Harbanspura Police Station, Lahore. It may be mentioned that Farooq was also arrested to stop his participation in reception for CJ in Lahore on May 4, 2007 and detained for three days. Talking to media men and party members after his arrest at police station Farooq has said that he was arrested without any warrants. Hesaid the state and its illegal tactics cannot force him to bow and vowed to continue struggle against dictatorship.
Meanwhile Raja Saleemulla advocate has filed a habeas corpus petition against the police in the court of Sessions judge Rauf Sheikh, who has issued notice to SHO Harbanispura Police Station to produce Farooq Tariq at 9 am Wednesday 6the June. Syed Mohammad Shah, President Lahore Bar
Association and senior advocate Ejaz Hussain will appear in court on behalf of the petitioner.
Labour Party thinks that the immediate reason of Farooq Tariq arrest is his proactive role in the Lawyers movement, participation in 4 May Press conference against PEMRA (Pakistan electronic Media Regulatory Authority) action against the media as well as announcement of Free Media Conference being organized by LLP on 6th June at Lahore Press Club.
A number of political parties, organization, trade unions have condemned the arrest and demanded immediate release of Farooq Tariq. Several political workers, leaders and friends have visited Farooq Tariq at police station to show solidarity. LPP is going to hold a protestdemonstration against his arrest at 5 pm Tuesday in front of Lahore press club.
Regards,
Khalid Mahmood
Director,
Labour Education Foundation,
Sufi Mansion, 7- Egerton Road,
Lahore, Pakistan.
Tel: 0092 42 6303808, Fax: 0092 42 6271149
Cell: 0092 321 9402322
www.lef.org.pk
