Pakistan: Protesting lawyers clash with police in Lahore, Punjab Province, May 8

Authorities are responding to clashes between police and protesting lawyers near the Lahore High Court as of the afternoon of May 8. Dozens of lawyers attempted to breach security barricades during a demonstration to denounce the transfer of civil cases to another court and terror charges applied on some lawyers, triggering police action. Reports indicate that officers used water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges to attempt to disperse the protesters. Police will almost certainly carry out mass arrests, potentially prompting further demonstrations.

Officials are almost certain to maintain increased security measures such as checkpoints and roadblocks in the vicinity of the court, likely prompting transport disruptions. Road closures are most likely to impact Mall Road.