Pakistan government ready to file FIR against Sharif

The Pakistan government Thursday said it was ready to lodge a first information report (FIR) against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, among others, in Lahore's Model Town tragedy case that resulted in the death of 14 Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) supporters, a media report said.

The fresh move is aimed at easing friction between the government and PAT leader Tahir-ul-Qadri who has been repeatedly urging the government to address the issue more actively.

At least 14 people, including women, were killed and dozens injured in clashes between PAT supporters and police at the Minhajul Quran Secretariat in Lahore's Model Town in order to remove barricades set up when a demonstration was taking place June 17.

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif said the government was ready to name the prime minister and other ministers in the FIR, Dawn online reported

"A process for the FIR has started and the government will not appeal against court orders," the report quoted Asif as saying during a debate in the National Assembly.

However, he maintained that the government's decision amidst the heated political climate and resulting deadlock should not be misconstrued as vulnerability.

The Lahore High Court had upheld Tuesday a lower court's order for registration of a murder case against 21 accused, including Prime Minister Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and some senior police officials.