World Bulletin / News Desk

Two lawyers were shot dead by police in northeastern Pakistan on Monday. 

At least four others were also injured when a police officer opened fire during an argument between locals and police in the Sialkot district of Punjab province, according to eyewitnesses. 

The lawyers were reportedly protesting against a police and local authority drive against "illegally" constructed houses on government land when the local police chief fired straight at Rana Khalid Abbas, president of the local bar association.

Abbas died on the spot while five others were wounded in the firing, as angry mobs pelted the police with stones, local Geo TV reported. Another lawyer died in hospital. 

Following the killing, the city burst into violence as enraged lawyers and citizens attacked police vans. 

“The police are on the run as protesters have blocked all major roads by burning (old) tyres,” said local journalist Omer Ejaz.

In response to the deaths, lawyers called for a nationwide protest and boycott of court activity on Tuesday.