Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday said that Tahirul Qadri would not be allowed access into the red zone, adding that TMQ had been allowed to set up a stage at Express Chowk in Islamabad.
The red zone houses the Parliament House, Supreme Court, Prime minister’s residence and secretariat along with diplomatic missions. The minister said that the participants of the long march would be assisted by the federal government agencies until they remain peaceful. He said that “we have no problem if they stay for two days or ten days and we would remain peaceful as long as participants remain peaceful.”
Taking notice of aerial firing near D-8 chowk and Kulsoom Plaza‚ Malik sought report from Islamabad Chief Commissioner. Malik alleged that participants of the march had resorted to aerial firing injured two policemen. He appealed to the participants to deposit the ammunition with the federal agencies and hoped that Dr Qadri would cooperate ensure a peaceful demonstration.
The Minister also appealed to the participants of the March to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle of Tahirul Qadri due to security threats.