SC orders probe against elements funding Islamabad protest
- By Web Desk -
- Nov 23, 2017
ISLAMABAD: A two-judge bench of Supreme Court on Thursday expressed grave disappointment on reports submitted by Defence and Interior ministries with regard to Faizabad Interchange sit-in.
The court was hearing a suo-moto notice case of the sit-in that blocked Faizabad Interchange for over two weeks, which connects Rawalpindi and Islamabad, multiplying hardships of the people of the twin cities.
At the outset of court proceedings, Justice Qazi Faez expressed displeasure over the capital administration and law enforcement agencies for failing to end the protest.
He remarked that the names highlighted in the reports were already known to everyone while enquiring about the government inaction on the matter.
“Who is being benefited from the protest,” he asked while passing orders to the authorities concerned to probe elements funding the sit-in.
Hundreds of activists and supporters of Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasool Allah have been camping out at the Faizabad Interchange, demanding action against those involved in making an amendment to the clause pertaining to the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat (finality of the Prophethood) oath for electoral candidates and the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid.
He observed that Islam does not permit any individual to cause problems for common masses particularly women, children or the elderly even in times of war.
“There is no repression in Islam, such acts will pave a way for conspirators and other anti-state elements to provoke public sentiments under a malicious agenda,” justice Faez remarked.
On the occasion, Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali informed the bench about the government’s initiatives to end the protest peacefully.
The attorney general said government has undertaken measures to curb the protesters’ activities. Two reports, one from Interior Ministry and another from Defence Ministry, were also submitted.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the bench directed the authorities to probe the people funding and backing the protest. The court then adjourned the hearing till next Thursday (Nov 30).