ISLAMABAD: Life in the capital continues to be paralysed as the Faizabad sit-in staged by the Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYR) enters its 17th consecutive day, blocking the Faizabad Interchanged despite a suo moto notice by the Supreme Court.
Four security personnel were injured on Wednesday when the protesters resorted to pelting stones at security forces deployed in the area.
As a result of the skirmish, four FC and police personnel, including SP Saddar Amir Niazi, were injured.
Daily life in the capital has come to a standstill for over two weeks now due to the protest, calling for the sacking of Zahid Hamid and stern action against those behind the amendment to the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat clause ─ which had earlier been deemed a “clerical error” and subsequently rectified.
Major roads of Islamabad, including Agha Shahi Avenue (Stadium Road to Zero Point) and Murree Road, have been choked, and the situation regarding traffic is worsening with every passing second.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday took notice of the protest during the hearing of a separate case, when a lawyer informed Justice Mushir Alam, of the hurdles he faced during the preparation of the case as the capital came to a standstill due to the sit-in.
The SC sent summons to Inspector General of Punjab Police, Inspector General Islamabad and Attorney General of Pakistan on Thursday, Nov 23. The court also sent notices to the secretaries of the interior and defence ministries, inspectors general of Punjab and Islamabad and the attorney general.
Justice Isa also directed a detailed report on the measures undertaken by the government to protect the rights of the public. The hearing has been adjourned until Thursday.
The protesters have been occupying the Faizabad Interchange which connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad through the Islamabad Expressway and Murree Road – the busiest roads in the twin cities.
When contacted, SSP Malik Matloob said that extra personnel have been deployed at various points to facilitate the road users and to control traffic. He said commuters could use Peshawar Road, Murree Road and Double Road to reach Islamabad while those heading towards Airport or Koral Road may use the Lehtrar Road.
A heavy contingent of police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary have been deployed in the Red Zone as well as various other parts of the city.
Talks held on Saturday and then on Monday failed with no breakthrough in sight as protest leaders continue to demand the resignation of the federal minister for the law.
The government, however, has formed another committee under senior cleric Pir Hussainuddin for negotiations with the protesters and to suggest a comprehensive solution to the problem.
Following a meeting of government representatives and protest leaders on Monday, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal again expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of the issue.
“We all agree that this issue should be resolved as soon as possible in a peaceful manner. Pakistan cannot be affected by any kind of bloodletting,” said the interior minister.
“For the sake of the Ummah, the religion, and the country, we have to peacefully resolve the sit-in,” he further said.
The meeting, after its conclusion also issued a joint statement, which stated that there is absolutely no room for error in the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat clause and a committee, formed with PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq in the chair, will identify those responsible for the mistake and the change in the oath.
An official of the religious affairs ministry familiar with the development told English daily on Wednesday evening that “good news” is expected soon.
When asked if Tehreek-e-Labbaik would call off the protest, the official asked to “wait for the official announcement”.
On Sunday, the interior minister had said that all options are available for dispersing the Islamabad protest, adding that a security operation is the last option as the government will try to avoid bloodshed.
The Islamabad High Court had given the government until 10 am, Nov 18 to remove the protesters blocking the Faizabad Interchange ‘with force if need be’ but the government did not do so and instead opted for negotiations to find a peaceful way out.
