ISLAMABAD: The operation to clear Faizabad interchange from protesters staging a sit-in began early morning on Saturday.
Heavy contingents of police, FC and Rangers were deployed to the interchange, where they used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters, who had paralysed the federal capital for almost three weeks.
At least 200 people have been injured in the clashes including 90 police and FC personnel.
According to reports, the operation against protesters was suspended at approximately 1:30 PM.
COAS suggests to PM to handle sit-in peacefully
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa spoke with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi over the sit-in in Islamabad.
“COAS telephoned PM. Suggested to handle Isb Dharna peacefully avoiding violence from both sides as it is not in national interest and cohesion,” DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted on Saturday.
‘Trying to ensure minimum loss’
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday afternoon that the operation was being conducted on the directives of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and added that the court had ordered to end the sit-in in three days.
He said that the government is willing to conduct negotiations at any time.
Iqbal appealed to the people to not cause chaos as it plays into the hand of international conspiracies against the country.
The interior minister further added that the security forces and administration are trying to ensure a minimum loss.
Protesters attack Law Minister Zahid Hamid’s house
Protesters attacked and entered the residence of Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid in Pasrur ,Read More.