Faizabad protesters issued final warning to disperse by midnight

ISLAMABAD: Complying with court orders, the district administration of Islamabad has issued final warning to protesters to clear Faizabad interchange and other main roads by midnight today.

The final warning was issued after Islamabad High Court ordered the federal capital administration to end the ongoing Faizabad sit-in by Sunday.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, while hearing the case, has issued notice of 'contempt of court' against Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal for not obeying orders of the court regarding vacation of the interchange from protesters.

Hundreds of protesters from a religious party have blocked the main highway used by thousands of commuters since November 6, causing hours-long traffic snarls.

In the final notice, the district administration has warned that operation will be launched against the protesters after 12:00am and the protesting party will be responsible if any mishap occurred.

Meanwhile, sources said operation against protesters could be launched at an appropriate time after deadline ends, however, Islamabad administration was in final phase to end the sit-in peacefully.

Also, the Supreme Court on Friday gave its orders in suo motu hearing in a case pertaining to Faizabad sit-in.

The written orders citing a report submitted by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) said the protesters had political motives.

The Supreme Court ordered the protesters to follow with teachings of the Holy Quran.

The apex court said Islam is the religion of peace while the protesters were acting against the teachings of the Holy Quran.