By KUNA
Islamabad : The angry workers of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto Monday assaulted pro-Musharraf former provincial leader with shoes and kicks as security personnel stood by watching in what apparently has been termed as ventilation of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Bhutto murder.
The assembly of Southern Sindh province was meeting in Karachi port city to elect its speaker and deputy speaker. As the Arbab Ghulam Rahim, former provincial Chief Minister and leader of former pro-Musharraf ruling party, came to take oath of his assembly seat, angry and rhapsodic workers of PPP started pro-Bhutto and anti-Musharraf slogans.
When their slogan-chanting turned violent, Arbab left the hall. But, PPP workers followed him and news channels showed him being maltreated by the workers.
They were even seen slapping on his face by dodging the blanket of his guards.
The assault was seen in the backdrop of widespread anger over Benazirs murder, which has been imputed to Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), former ruling party.
The security personnel seemed powerless in front of the workers and offered little resistance.
However, Arbab was escorted till his vehicle by his guards. Nisar Khorro, PPP leader and PPP candidate for assembly speaker, condemned the incident and went out to calm down workers but it was too late and little to do.
Strict security measures were taken on the eve of assembly session and passes were issued to guests and workers after strict security checks.
Members of Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), former PML-Q coalition partner and now potential partner of PPP, left assembly session in protest but came back on PPP assurance to carryout thorough investigations into the incident.
The assembly was meeting for the second time in a week. Also, in the first session PPP workers assaulted Arbab but were prevented by security personnel.