ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday directed the capital administration to clear the Faizabad Interchange of a sit-in of religious parties by tomorrow.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the IHC gave this order while hearing a petition filed by citizen Abdul Qayyum, who moved the court against the blockade of the main artery of the capital.
The activists and supporters of Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah and Sunni Tehreek have blocked the Faizabad Interchange, which connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad, causing hardships to the people of the twin cities.
The bench expressed displeasure over the capital administration and law enforcement agencies for failing to end the protest.
He observed that Islam does not permit any individual to harm women, children or the elderly even in times of war. Since the demand of the protesting parties has already been met, they have no reason to continue with their protest, he added.
The deputy commissioner, however, told the judge that there were between 18,00 to 20,00 protesters, but their number could swell after Friday prayers.
The court, thus, directed him to take help of the Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) to implement the court orders.
The religious parties have been protesting for more than a week, demanding action against those involved in making an amendment to the clause pertaining to the Khatm-i-Nabuwwat oath for electoral candidates and the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid.
While hearing a petition filed by the Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday asked the protesters to end their sit-in since the matter was subjudice now.
The National Assembly has passed the Election (Amendment) Bill 2017, restoring the clause about the finality of Prophet-hood to its original form.
A day earlier, former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and asked him to take immediate action against the protesters.
He said the people of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad had been suffering hardships because of the road blockade.
Over a dozen cases have also been registered against the protesters under various charges, while 27 people have been arrested.
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