Islamabad: Thousands of Pakistanis clashed with police and destroyed property on the third consecutive day of violent protests against power cuts here.
Police and witnesses said riots broke out on Tuesday in at least two areas of Punjab province, which experienced power cuts for up to 20 hours a day. Officer Mohammed Shafique says rioters stormed the house of a local lawmaker in Kamaliya town and burnt his vehicles and possessions.
Police also fired tear gas in Khanewal district to disperse rock-throwing protesters attempting to torch the offices of the local power company. Years of underinvestment and bad management in the power sector led to people suffering routine power cuts.
Punjab is controlled by the political opposition, which has been encouraging its supporters to protest.
PTI