ISLAMABAD: The supporters of Tehreek Minhajul Quran International (TMQI) on Tuesday foiled a police attempt to arrest their leader Dr Tahirul Qadri, when he was on-board his vehicle en-route to ‘D’ Chowk from Jinnah Avenue.

According to TMQI spokesman Umar Riaz Abbasi, when police deployed at Kulsoom Plaza Chowk attempted to arrest Dr Qadri, the TMQI devotees heavily resisted the police and foiled the attempt.

He said after failing to arrest Dr Qadri, police resorted to aerial firing at Kulsoom Plaza Chowk to disperse the supporters of Dr Qadri.

According to reports, clashes were also took place between police and Dr Qadri’s supporters at the Kulsoom Plaza Chowk, where dozens of protesters received minor injuries. Edhi ambulances were seen in the area soon after the incident, however no one was taken to any hospital.

However, Interior Minister Rehman Malik took notice of the clashes and directed chief commissioner Islamabad to submit a report on the incident shortly. The Interior Minister also ordered the concerned officials to ensure security of the participants.

According to a private television channel’s live footage, police resorted to aerial firing at Kulsoom Plaza Chowk, while the TMQI supporters hurled stones at them. However, the situation was controlled and everything was going peacefully normal.