Pakistan police allegedly 'baton charge' blind men protesting on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Dozens had gathered in Lahore to demonstrate over employment quotas

Police in Pakistan have allegedly baton charged blind protesters demanding jobs on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Dozens of men had gathered in Lahore to demonstrate against the government for not establishing an employment quota for blind and disabled people.

Several protesters were reportedly injured and some had to be taken to hospital for treatment, according to Gulf News.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) member Abrarul Haq condemned the alleged violence and said his party would hold further protests.

Local police station chief Rafiullah told AFP officers did not beat up protesters but were forced to push them away from the main road “due to security reasons".

Today marks the twelfth anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a UN Enable observance promoting understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for affected persons through localised meetings, campaigns and support grants.

Almost 80 percent of disabled people live in developing countries under desperately poor circumstances where they are often the most vulnerable members of society.

Additional reporting by agencies