March 16, 2007	Friday	Safar 26, 1428

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ISLAMABAD, March 15: People will again not be allowed on Friday to go anywhere near the Supreme Court of Pakistan where “justice” is being dispensed to the country’s top judge Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry.

All roads leading to the Supreme Court will be blocked to stop people for going to the court building to express solidarity with Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.

Sources said the Islamabad Capital Territory administration had chalked a plan to avoid gathering in front of the Supreme Court where the CJ’s case would be heard. Any determined supporter would be stopped by force if he insisted on proceeding to the court.

According to the plan, the Constitution Avenue, Bank Road and all its link roads, and Khyaban-i-Suharwardi from Serena Hotel were to be closed for public, however, lawyers and journalists would be allowed to use these roads.

People will use Margalla Road to reach Pakistan Secretariat, while diplomats and embassy officials will go their workplaces after crossing Dhokri Chowk. Embassy Road will remain open for the general public.

The sources said a large number of police personnel would be deployed at different places to divert the traffic on alternative routes.

Main highways to Islamabad are likely to be closed in a bid to restrict entry of lawyers and protesters into the federal capital.

Likewise, the entry points to Islamabad from Rawalpindi, including Murree Road, Islamabad Highway and Double Road will also be blocked during the transportation of the chief justice to the court, the sources said.

The police have also been directed to stop motor convoys destined for the Supreme Court building. The sources said it was yet to be decided as to when the roads would be closed and traffic diverted, however, the plan would be implemented at around 9am and would remain in place till the departure of Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry from the Supreme Court.