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Friday, March 29, 2024

Update: Policemen taken hostage by protesters, vehicles burned as violence continues on Sunday

The Army has informed the government that it is ready to take action against the protestors provided certain aspects are deliberated upon before a decision is made.

Yesterday, the police failed to disperse protestors after conducting an operation at the Faizabad interchange.

This prompted the government to call the Army under Article 245 to secure the crisis. However, it is unclear if the Army will deploy troops to quell the protests since riot control does not fall under the military’s ambit.

7 protestors died during Saturday’s violence. Protestors had tried to attack the home of Chaudhry Nisar but where pushed back after guards opened fire. 

PML-N MNA Javed Latif was also injured when protestors attacked him and his entourage when they tried to cross through Faizabad. 

Law Minister Zahid Hamid’s family home in Sialkot was also attacked

Islamabad

On Sunday morning, the protestors of Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY), Tehreek-e-Khatame Nabuwat (TKN) and Sunni Tehreek (ST) conducted funeral prayers for those who died during yesterday’s violence.

Read More: Faizabad crisis: the real story

Police vehicles, motorcycles, and private vehicles were set on fire, early Sunday morning.

Lehtrar Road, which served as one of the only viable route left to commuters of the twin cities, has also been blocked by protestors.

Protestors have also abducted two police officials from the Sohan area. Reportedly, negotiations are currently underway to secure their release.

Karachi

Protests in Islamabad spilled over to other major cities including Karachi.

The main roads of Shahrah-e-Faisal and Shahrah-e-Karachi were blocked by protestors. A sit-in is taking place at Numaish Chowrangi where the protestors are adamant on continuing until the demands of their leaders in Islamabad are met.

Read More: Social media sites and YouTube blocked: Is the Internet next?

The police and Sindh Rangers have been deployed in the city.

GT Road from Islamabad to Lahore and Faisalabad has also been closed due to protests. The motorway to Peshawar has also been closed by authorities. Â