ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Friday expressed its resentment over government authorities for not clearing the Faizabad Interchange from Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah protestors, who have been camped up there for last 10 days, Samaa reported. While hearing a petition filed by the religious group, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui expressed anger over capital...

While hearing a petition filed by the religious group, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui expressed anger over capital administration for not taking action against the protestors.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui observed that citizens are facing difficulties due to blockage of the major artery.

The judge ordered Islamabad authorities to remove the protest camps by tomorrow (Saturday) morning (10:00am) whether by using force or in a peaceful way.

The court allowed the capital administration to use their authority to request Rangers or Frontier Constabulary deployment if needed.

The court also directed IG Islamabad and Chief Commissioner Islamabad to appear and appraise the court of actions going to be taken tomorrow.

The protestors from Tehreek-e-Khatm-i-Nabuwwat, Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY) and the Sunni Tehreek Pakistan (ST) are calling for the sacking of Law Minister Zahid Hamid and strict action against those behind the amendment to the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat oath ─ which had earlier been deemed a 'clerical error' and subsequently rectified.

The protestors have occupied the Faizabad Bridge which connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad through the Islamabad Expressway and Murree Road, both of which are the busiest roads in the twin cities.

Police have so far arrested at least 30 leaders of the religious parties in the crackdown.

Yesterday, while hearing a petition filed by the religious group, IHC Chief Justice, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, directed the religious party to call off its sit-in on the main road connecting Islamabad with Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The petitioner seeks action against lawmakers responsible for altering a declaration related to finality of the prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the Elections Act 2017. However, soon after the error was pointed out by lawmakers, parliament rectified it.

On the other hand, Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal says he is directly involved in negotiation with protest leaders.

"We have strong belief on the finality of Prophethood. We have strong affiliation with the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and no one can even think to compromise on it,” he said in the National Assembly yesterday.

He said the whole Parliament would defend in case there is any issue in this regard. The minister said that rights of people are being suffered through agitation in this way. - Samaa