Pak police hunt PM Imran Khan's nephew

Police in Pakistan have raided the home of Prime Minister Imran Khan's nephew for taking part in a violent protest at a hospital in which three patients died.

Hassan Niazi was one of about 500 lawyers at the protest on Thursday (local time) that descended into a rampage through the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, in the eastern city of Lahore.

The mob stormed the facility, punching and beating doctors and other staff, apparently angered over alleged misbehaviour by some of the hospital's doctors towards one of their colleagues in November.

Three patients at the cardiology hospital died when physicians and medics left them unattended for several hours to escape the mob.

The Government said those linked to the violence would be tried in anti-terrorism courts and that the maximum punishment would be sought for them.

Mr Niazi admitted taking part in the violence at the hospital on Twitter and said he regretted it.

"My support and protest was limited to initiation of legal action against the concerned doctors. I only stand for peaceful protests."

"It's a sad day and I condemn my own self for supporting this protest now."

So far, 250 lawyers have received treason charges over the incident and 80 of those charged have been arrested, police said.

But Mr Niazi's name was not registered amongst them.

A spokesman for the city's police chief said Mr Niazi had been identified through video footage and was now being sought.

Police have made it clear anyone linked to the incident will be arrested.

Agencies

 

Dhaka/Nasim