Faizabad sit-in: Army to act upon govt’s decision, says ISPR

KARACHI: The Director General (DG) of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said on Wednesday that the army would act upon whatever decision the government takes on the ongoing Faizabad sit-in, Geo News reported.

Maj General Ghafoor, however, said it is better to diffuse the situation through mutual understanding, adding that whatever decision the government takes in this regard would be acted upon.

Routine life remained greatly disrupted as protesters, belonging to a religious group, continued their sit-in for the 17th consecutive day on Wednesday, blocking the Faizabad Interchange despite notice being taken by the Supreme Court. The protest has resulted in causing severe problems to the residents of the twin cities, who face traffic jams and mobility issues on a daily basis. At least two casualties due to ambulances being unable to cross the protesters have also been reported.

The DG ISPR said it is the duty of the army to carry out whatever task the government assigns to it. "For the security of Pakistan, the civilian and military leadership are on the same page," he said. Talks between the government and the protesters failed with no breakthrough in sight as protest leaders continue to demand the resignation of Federal Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid.

The government, however, has formed another committee under senior cleric Pir Haseenuddin Shah for negotiations with the protesters and to suggest a comprehensive solution to the problem.