IHC gives deadline to end Islamabad dharna

ISLAMABAD: Taking notice of non-implementation of its Thursay’s orders, The Islamabad High Court on Friday directed the authorities in the Federal capital to clear the Faizabad from protesters till Saturday morning.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui remarked that the local administration failed to use its powers to end the sit-in. 

He said assistance could also be sought from the Rangers and Frontier Constabulary to disperse the protesters.

When representatives of local administration told the court that the protests were laced with weapons and stones, the IHC ordered the authorities to end the sit-in with or without use of force and clear the area.

The court remarked that freedom of speech doesn’t mean to seize the entire city.

The orders came as the sit-in staged by a religious outfit entered 13th day causing difficulties for commuters.

Local administration holds meeting to review options  

Meanwhile, the local administration of the federal capital convened an emergency meeting that was attended by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, DIG and SSP Operations and Additional Inspector General Special Branch.

The meeting decided that the participants of the sit-in would be given a final warning as well as a written order to end their protest till 10:00 tonight.

The local administration has decided that an operation would be launched if it fails to end the protest peacefully. 

Police and paramilitary troops have been put on high alert, according to Geo News.

Earlier, a district magistrate had through a letter to the leader of the religious leader called for an end to the sit-in and warned of strict action.

The protesters have been demanding resignation of Law Minister Zaid Hamid after government tabled  Election Act 2017 that also changed a clause relating to Khatm-e-Nabuwwat in October.

The government, however, had rectified the change calling it a clerical  mistake.