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Govt calls in Punjab Rangers to 'handle' Islamabad protesters
The federal government on Sunday evening called in Punjab Rangers to assist civilian law-enforcement agencies and tasked them with handling the agitated law and order situation in Islamabad and clearing the sit-ins held in Faizabad and adjoining areas, DawnNews reported.
According to a notification issued by the interior ministry, a copy of which is available with DawnNews, Punjab Rangers DG Maj Gen Azhar Naveed will lead the whole operation.
The notification mentions that the Rangers have been given a week's time to carry out the orders, since the special powers have been extended to them with effect from November 26 until December 3, 2017.
Earlier in the day, Rangers were given charge of the Faizabad operation, in a bid to control the chaos in the capital. Around 1,000 Rangers personnel, who were deployed in Islamabad yesterday, have been repositioned to the frontlines of the security operation.
Top civil and military officials had earlier decided against the use of force to disperse protesters in Islamabad, opting instead to engage in political negotiations with agitators in the capital, DawnNews reported.
There had been no official confirmation of the development.
Chief of Army Staff Qamar Jawed Bajwa, who flew in from the United Arab Emirates, attended the over two-hour-long meeting headed by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, along with Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence Naveed Mukhtar.
The officials decided to engage in protest leaders "with influence", DawnNews reported, adding that the use of force against protesters has been discouraged in favour of a political settlement.
The meeting was held at Prime Minister House to discuss the unstable law and order situation in the capital in the aftermath of a botched operation to disperse protesters at the Faizabad Interchange on Saturday.
Islamabad police and FC personnel, who were yesterday on the frontlines, have been relegated to back positions, as decided in a meeting of police, capital administration and Rangers officials on Saturday night.
Pemra restores news channels
Private TV news channels ─ which had been taken off-air for about 28 hours ─ were permitted to go on air after the top-level meeting decided to do so.
Pemra issued a notification to this effect after the meeting, saying that all news and current affairs satellite TV channels have "immediately been restored".
"All distribution networks have been directed to restore these channels on their original positions immediately," the Pemra press release said.
Read more: Pemra guidelines for media houses in wake of Faizabad crackdown
The federal government also issued a policy directive asking Pemra to take channels off air if they violate the agreed-upon guidelines regarding coverage of the Faizabad sit-in, as well as protests elsewhere in the country.
The guidelines have been sent to the Pakistan Association of Broadcasters, the Pemra statement added.
Schools, universities closed
The All-Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) announced that all private schools would remain closed on Monday and Tuesday, Nov 27 and 28, in light of the "prevailing situation". They are expected to reopen on Wednesday, Nov 29, according to APPSF President Kashif Mirza.
The Punjab government on Sunday said all public and private schools, colleges and universities in the province would remain closed on Nov 27 and 28 as per a Higher Education Department notification.
The Islamabad administration also issued directives that all educational institutions would be closed on Monday and Tuesday, DawnNews reported.
Military assistance
On Saturday, a day-long operation was launched by the Islamabad police, with the help of Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel and other law enforcement agencies, against religious protesters who have all but paralysed the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for over a fortnight.
Saturday's operation culminated with the Interior Ministry sending out a formal requisition for the deployment of military troops in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The Pakistan Army on Sunday morning said that it is "fully ready" to assist the federal government in an operation against protesters who remain camped out at the Faizabad Interchange even after the operation.
Recent developments
- Rangers take lead of Islamabad operation
- No sign of armoured vehicles or Army in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
- Social media sites, private television broadcasts still blocked
- Protests and demonstrations resume in cities across country
- Education institutions in Punjab to remain closed on Monday and Tuesday
In response to the government's request for assistance with the operation, the Army — in an official letter to the Interior Ministry — said that it was prepared to cooperate with security personnel in keeping with Article 245 of the Constitution to protect the life and property of the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Editorial: 'PML-N has handled every aspect of the Faizabad protest disastrously'
However, the letter states that before troops are deployed, there are a "few aspects meriting deliberation", such as how the "police has not been utilized to its full capacity" in dealing with the religious protesters.
It points out that "the Pakistan Rangers have not been given written instructions."
The letter also highlights that the Army is not a force traditionally used to disperse crowds or protesters, adding that the terms of the military's deployment in the twin cities need to be clarified in keeping with orders passed by the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court earlier this week.
Read: How Faizabad became Waterloo for security personnel on Saturday
On Friday, the IHC, displeased with government inaction against the Faizabad protesters, had pointed out that the participants of the sit-in could be dispersed using options other than bullets.
Similarly, the SC on Thursday had said that the efforts of the government to avoid loss of life by refraining from launching its operation against protesters were commendable. However, the apex court had added that "it does not follow that protesters can only be removed by firing upon them."
Nisar criticises Iqbal for giving 'illogical' statements
Former interior minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan on Sunday rejected the claims that there were any casualties during the attack by protesters at his residence near Faizabad on Saturday.
"No one was even injured at my house, let alone any deaths," he said.
He, however, criticised Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal for giving what he called illogical statements by the minister to hide his [Iqbal's] incompetence.
"Isn't he the same person who stated that he would clear the sit-in within three hours and now he is shifting the onus of responsibility of the operation on the judiciary," Nisar said.
Unfortunately, the interior minister of the country is an ignorant and irresponsible person, Nisar said, adding that the designation of Ahsan Iqbal required him to stand with his administration, instead of making lame excuses.
Soon after Chaudhary Nisar passed remarks against the interior minister, Iqbal responded in a tit for tat reaction and said that the Punjab government was investigating the murder of four protestors who, according to some reports, were killed during an attack on the residence of Chaudhary Nisar.
In how many days Nisar had managed to end the sit-in staged by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf when he [Nisar] was holding the post, Iqbal questioned.
Protests continue on Sunday
The protesters amassed at the Faizabad bridge belong to various 'religious' parties, including the Tehreek-i-Khatm-i-Nabuwwat, Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY) and the Sunni Tehreek Pakistan (ST), and had been calling for the sacking of Law Minister Zahid Hamid and strict action against those behind the amendment to the Khatm-i-Nabuwwat oath in the Elections Act 2017 ─ which had earlier been deemed a 'clerical error'.
Demonstrations were held in support of the religious parties on Saturday as the operation in Islamabad went underway. Protests and roadblocks, which had paralysed life in various cities across the country, have resumed for a second day on Sunday, with demonstrators condemning Saturday's operation.
In Karachi, Shahrah-i-Pakistan remained blocked on Sunday with oil tankers lined up along the highway since 2am.
A large number of protesters gathered at Karachi's Numaish Chowrangi told DawnNews that they would continue their demonstrations until either their leaders in Faizabad told them to stop or their demands for Law Minister Zahid Hamid's resignation were fulfilled.
The protesters continued to chant anti-government slogans.
In Lahore, enraged protesters set fire to a police checkpoint at Expressway near Rawat. The Grand-Trunk Road and Motorway, connecting Islamabad to Lahore, was closed.
In Peshawar, protesters gathered at Ring Road where traffic was blocked. Supporters of religious parties camped out at the Faizabad Interchange condemned Saturday's operation in Islamabad.
Earlier, protesters gathered near Kachnar Park in Islamabad set police vehicles alight early Sunday morning, police said.
Five motorcycles and one car belonging to the police personnel were set alight by the protesters, police said, adding that the vehicles were personal property.
The protest participants also pelted police personnel deployed in the area with stones.
However, as the police have not been issued instructions to take action against the protesters so far today, the latter's actions were not met with any retaliation by the forces.
Between 50 and 60 protesters have gathered at the Taramri Chowk on Islamabad's Lehtarar Road, which has been blocked.
Protest participants also picked up two police officials from Islamabad's Sohan area, police said.
According to officials, negotiations are underway with the protesters for the return of the two officials.
Towns across Sindh ─ including Badin, Chhachro, Sanghar and Tando Allahyar ─ remained closed on Sunday on the call of religious parties condemning the Islamabad operation.
A day earlier
A day earlier, at least six were killed and hundreds were wounded as violent clashes broke out between law enforcement personnel and protesters camped out at the Faizabad Interchange.
Finally acting upon court orders, security personnel launched an operation against protesters, who had amassed at the Faizabad Interchange ─ which connects Islamabad to Rawalpindi ─ on November 8. Around 8,500 elite police and paramilitary troops in riot gear took part in the clearance operation.
A timeline of the crisis that has gripped Islamabad for the past 18 days
The operation was launched after several attempts by the government to hold talks with the protesters failed, with the latter remaining adamant on the matter of the law minister's resignation.
The use of tear gas, rubber bullets and batons by security personnel met with fierce resistance by protesters, who increased in number as the operation continued through the day.
At least 150 protesters were arrested before security forces withdrew.
Comments (146) Closed
Deliberation should be done behind closed doors not in public and twitter .Tweet Vs tweet and notification VS notification destroying Pakistan unity fabric.
Stage of urban warfare experiment to being in 6 hours
Nice move and tit for tat by government after today’s ISPR tweet. These violent protestors can’t be allowed to control streets.
Has Pakistan ever believed in Karma..its time we do..!!
so few protestors pickup up police officials and negotiations underway for their release.. isnt it a clear case of kidnapping? & why police is so soft?
SC is right in saying that , " if they were not controlled then decisions will be done on streets & not in courts". Our courts are free NOW , the best & latest proof is the case of ousted PM , so go to courts.
Arm froces we are with you so break a wall and get peace.
@redit Today whole Pakistan is united against foreign agendas. Elected Government must learn lesson that it can not dictate any thing against the will of the people. whole government machinery completely helpless now.
Hmm a good time for deliberations. Meanwhile Yajooj Majooj are wreaking havoc in the country.
cried too much for protestor in Kashmir ,now similar protestor are in Islamabad,and rubber bullet were used in islamabad
Block media, restrict internet, kill the unwanted. In short, colonial powers tactics by the real unwanted. The western media absolutely silent on all such, otherwise , 'headline-maker' events. We are free? never were we; never will be-an illusion of freedom.
This episode is giving pakistan a very bad name and i think they deserve it in full.
Govt should resigned and declare elections, this already gone too far. its time for change...
Do or die for a state.
The government is waging a war against a populace that wasnt even participating in this farce by blocking the internet. Suppression of truth is treason because it disrupts the constitution.
This is the most corrupt clergy in the world. There is nothing Islamic in their behavior.
Can anyone tell me the situation today?? I must travel to murree hill.
These aren't religious parties. These are thug parties.
Really will they deliberate even after Islamabad/rawalpindi citizens are killed by those goons
DICTATORSHIP AND CIVIL WAR..
Where were IHC when imran Khan held hostage the capital.
Why did not Zahid Hameed resign before , as suggested by Mr Shahbaz Shareef ? That would have saved many further complications !!
I’m sure our iron brothers will help us.
Rizwan Akhtar long retired...
@Sam Are you serious? Taking action against those holding the whole country hostage and crippling life is dictatorship? Noone should be allowed this thug behavior in the name of democracy.
Comes a coup?
Another sad day in the history of Pakistan. Religious extremism has taken deep roots in the society. A thorough overhauling of textbooks is urgent necessary, to imbibe the values of tolerance. You can not impose your views by force. Not-so-strong Central Government , lack of education, unemployment, etc are contributing for rise of extremism and terrorism in Pakistan.
This darbari police have killed many innocent protestors yesterday.
PmLn is mastered in converting simple protests into national disasters.The might have been resolved by resignation oflaw minister.
Credit goes to nawaz sharif for setting such example, whetr your own understanding of justice and sanity is above everything!
Such a stupid country!
Let's ask the Chinese for help. They know how to deal with such issues keeping a firm hand.
If security forces start operation many would be killed which will give more power to the movement . So Govt should be rational,
Will any one ask the sense to pass the order not to us fire arms to control rowdy mob. The goverments used swords when bullets were not invented
Ultimately COAS will solve the Faizabad sit-in problem 'peacefully'.
I am not a fan of PML-N or for that matter any of the leading political parties in Pakistan but blaming all on civil administration is a cheap shot and a very timid blame game. Thanks to Imran and Qadri for setting a bad example, the Faizabad Dharna is an open dual between extreme violent religious right and the state of Pakistan. The failure to defeat this rebellion against democracy and the state of Pakistan will not only look bad on federal and provincial governments but it will also create a perception of helplessness and vulnerability of Pakistani Military and all law-enforcement and judicial institutions in the face of a handful zealots.
This defiance constitutes a serious threat to sovereignty of Pakistan that should not be taken so lightly. This is no time for finger pointing. If the State of Pakistan failed to establish its writ of law in the country, it will send a bad message and will create an irreparable low morale in the law-abiding citizens of Pakistan. .
Heading towards milatry rule again ?
So what was the point of the court order?
What , negotiations with the thugs who blocked the country's capital for three weeks because of which ambulances couldn't get to hospitals, daily wage workers were stranded at home etc. Next they will ask to hang someone, What would you do? The fact is government is not starting negotiations, they are starting to be blackmailed.
Last month, Pakistan got re-elected to the membership of UN Human Rights council. This situation unless resolved quickly and peacefully, will put the nation on a weak platform.
So much for rule of law. Why did you waste 6 human lives then
COAS orders 'peaceful' solution.
@Fahad Should we have elections every month. Grow up dear.
Hard to understand what political settlement when govt has delayed this operation due to political settlement they have 7 hours extension and as a result sit in people reorganized themselves.All these pirs and sajadah nasheens were buying time to prepare against operation,
matters need to be resolved through negotiations; Pakistan is a poor country it can no more face protests.
Abject surrender to mullah power, release of LeT chief, the state is unraveling
There is only one solution... sack the officials who tried to change the kahatam naboowat law. No blood shed, just simple straight solution, so that no one in future tries to play games again in future.
It means Protestors Win.. Law Minister has to Resign..
Federal Law Minister must has to resign immediately,instead of making the current situation more worse by using the power to disperse the sit-in mob,to normalize the current most severe situation in Pakistan who created all this critical situation Pakistani people are facing...
Excellent move! The issue should be solved using dialogue and not force. I am just aghast at the horrible actions taken by the government in handling this situation since its inception, in particular the actions of the imbecile ministers yesterday.
After the carnage, innocent deaths, hundreds of wounded, $millions wasted on clamp down, it's time to lick our wounds and negotiate 'peacefully'?
Backward thinking, little too late. The cat is out of the box. It is time to meet the demands of the protesters and governmetn should step down to avoid further damage to the nation.
A replay of 1977 PNA movement against PPP govt when Zia imposed martial law in the country.
This will be seen as military surender to extremists. This may be a turning point for the future. Watch out. You played with fire so far now time to learn lessons if still some sense is left
Can PEMRA ban the new channels even after this episode is over ? It would help people think positive about Pakistan. Thanks
Surrender to protesters, nice going banana republic.
Bad decision. Giving in to demands of extremists will not bode well for fostering tolerance in Pakistan
Complete and utter failure of the government. As if the corruption allegations alone were not enough. They have shown their incompetence so vividly that even Zardari's PPP government cannot compete for the title!
Time to go!
Peace loving COAS!
Zia let the genie out of the bottle
PAKISTAN HAS MATURED AS A PEOPLE AN COUNTRY. NO FORCE, SIGN OF MATURITY.
While I have no respect for the current government, nor its minister, I can smell a bit of orchestration by forces that be - especially in the way these "religious" parties could conveniently transform a protest by a couple of thousand people (not tens of thousands!) into a nation-wide agitation.
The Founder of this country would have been very sad to see what has become of his beloved country.
Time again for military rule?
Pakistan is ungovernable under democracy.
@Qamar Good observation.
@Ahmed, M DXB keep trying girl!
@Ustad still trying?
@Ahmed, M DXB the corrupt clergy is forwarding their political agenda
Lol
Military has to follow government order. Why is it questioning the boss?
Use tanks this time
The questions that need answered are: who is the mastermind and instructed his ministers to make changes in the oath's declaration? And who is behind this current crisis to divert public attention from NAB cases? No price for guessing the ring leader!
So even military is not able to get the faizabad road cleared, is the cat out of the bag?
Negotiations are always done from the position of strength. government has lost the ground .It is Dejavu again.It Is begining of the end unless the religious anarchy is strictly brought under control .
Military trying to force an early election, PML N trying to force a martial law - the game continues (So law minister will not go). Having taken charge COAS is now stuck.....martial law coming soon.
basically it is a surrender.........Where are we heading to?
Where are the statements from Nawaz Sharif and Maryam?
@A shah... Iron Bros are probably looking at all this and thinking "what the hell are we doing here"...
Banana Republic
@M. Emad... Indeed he will... By doing absolutely nothing...
The option for the peaceful resolution is the best.
Martial law is the only solution at this time to save the country from further death on the street of innocent people. These politicians have not learnt lessons from past mistakes
All will be OK in the end. Great job of good leadership by Gen Bajwa seasoned soldier, by keeping Armed forces out of political created mess. You are Honorable Gen Bajwa! Yes We Pakistan Love Our Armed Forces and stand beside them always and always. I had chai yesterday with Pak Sindh Ranger Soldier yesterday, he was a good man, he won't let me pay for my Chai :) I love our Soldiers, I feel I'm also a soldier but I don't have a rank, I'm Sindhu Dharti Pakistan's soldier of peace.
Pakistan Zindabad! Pak Armed Forces/Scientists Paindabad!
NOOO..they are just peaceful protestors.
its too late for talking now, the protester leaders now need to be tried for the murder of policeman. These people only respect force, the leaders should be sent to jail and tried for treason against the state and the awaam.
Negotiations and appeasement of terrorists are counter-productive. Nonlethal force, cold water cannons, tear gas and batons, rubber baton rounds, noise and smoke bombs, etceteras must be deployed. Lethal force can be used in self-defense by state forces if they are attacked with violence.
today the rogue,mullah and religious zealot elements in Pakistan won.Game over for Pakistan.
Unemployed people are a danger to the civilized society.
This game
Government must give helms of affair of Faizabad dharna to Hon. COAS to do this job in better way.
@Ahmed Goes to show who is the boss in real sense! Besides why would they try to put out the fire they had planned behind the scene to ignite?
Useless and ineffective and paralyzed PML_N, Nawaz appointed cronies are the root cause of the problems. They should be booted out soon.
Great example of a governments incompetency.
No use of force is a smart move - there are some in the crowd who were hoping for just that, those are the real terrorists hiding among the masses.
Amazing how a mob network can control this country by threat and riots. Height of bad management by incompetent government. Insult for entire nation. This is not how disputes are resolved.
Talking to them will further embolden their ability to make inroads to hard line ideologies. Nip them in the bud and relieve the people to earn bread and butter. 70 years we have been hostage to these elements and govt hoodwinked with them. People are leaving Pakistan for better future.
Military backed protesters???
@Mustafa Military is behind this I suspect,
Pak is ungovernable country.
Pakistan should have a firm standard. Why the TTP and other such organizations not being brought in national fold through dialogue by same policy?
@Ahmed, M DXB In this particular case, both parties, viz. the PML-N government, which tried to tamper the oath of khatme nabbuwwt without rhyme and reason, and the TYLRA, have plunged the country into an unnecessary crisis. The worst role in this case is of the man who is controlling the strings of the government from behind the scene, the de facto PM.
I'm looking into future in the context of present scenario ... and there's no hope.
So are these hooligans protesters going to pay the bills to repair and fix all the destruction and disruption they caused?
It states that 7500 police personnel was used to take care of 2000 protestors - how about each police personnel catch hold of one protestor and take him away. Issue resolved. Give that protestor some food, rest, have him clean up and show him that he can bring bright future to Pakistan and humanity. Oh yes, give him a nice hug. Obviously record his name and action and give him a warning
RIP Civilian supremacy
Why are religious intolerants allowed to hold the entire country captive and paralyse it. Our issues are illiteracy, unemployment, poverty , hunger, disease, collapse of the institutions of State , spiraling debt, intolerance and a ticking time bomb of the youth maturing in an environment of despair and essentially dispossessed of hope. Of course we have not even broached corruption , abuse of power, consolidation of power and wealth, incompetence and theft of Government resources to off shore accounts. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Let us develop a collective vision and work to correct our course. The first step is to educate the youth and integrate the society as a progressive component of a global society.
These parties are there to increase their vote bank. Nothing is Islamic in their conduct. Apology has already been aired by Law Minister, no reason to stay there. Govt. should bring them down to their knees by using soft power.
Pakistan is a scary and dark place.
Its a conspiracy for early elections !!
Have a tanker oil spill nearby...everyone in this dharna will rush to get free oil.
So, this is official, we don't have any unbiased rangers in Islamabad region, and to restore order, we need Rangers from Punjab. If this doesn't work, then don't be surprised, we might have Chinese restoring order in and around Islamabad soon. Kudos, I am never disappointed about news from Pakistan ever.
@Silent observer... More urthee urthee khabbar. Innocent protestors who were suddenly well armed?
great opportunity to deal will these savage mullahs once and for all. They are all located in one place.
WHY do they’ve have children’s bikes?
@Imran A. Agreed. The government is on auto pilot. This unfortunate situation should not have been allowed to escalate to a point of no return. The sit in which started with few hundred diehards should have been handled forcefully as the administration had all options available to them. Playing politics with an administrative issue and that too half heartedly in a confused manner, has provided impetus to a general impression that government is at fault and scared of expected backlash from the ultra right. Now at this belated stage, when these religious zealots have gained an upper hand, the government has very limited options to play with unless they want further chaos or anarchy becoming more visible on the streets across the whole country. Therefore, a rational solution to this ongoing agitation becoming more violent with every passing day, is to call it a day by instituting an inquiry commission and ordering the law minister to step down till he is absolved of any wrong doing.
My 9 year old has a more sophisticated bike then the one in the photo.
Only one advice to the prime minister: don't listen to Nawaz Sharif when making decisions.
innocent question.......supreme court of pak gives a order and its implemented?
Don't worry about educational institutes when these mullahs start governing there won't be anyone allowed to study anyways
has Pakistan as a State become a joke yet?
When is the martial law coming into force ??
I thank Jinnah for creating Pakistan
CPEC will be the game changer. Pakistan will have broader rods to block.
Why attack the poor protesters - every morning one or two ministers and MPs can keep meeting them and here them out - after all they are your own!
I am not sure I should laugh or cry in sorrow. If these people want to go to paradise then please send them quickly.
yawn another coup?
This event is giving Pakistan a very bad name...It must be sorted out either way, force or through dialogue,as soon as possible !
Kinda similar to how things started in Syria :)
@ahmed That's what hypocrites do, sad enough! They seem like peaceful protesters.
Mashallah nice place to read news paper, need chai...lol LOVE Pakistan!!!!!
In a Country like Pakistan so excessively bleeding under long concurrent attacks from the religious extremists, terrorists and secessionist of all sorts, any siege of Capital or major cities or vital public sites should have been totally banned, long before. In a Country where un-employment, poverty and desperation running into large majority of non-privileged people how could you allow the fortune seekers to siege the capital and major or vital part of the Country by exploiting half a million, lesser or more numbers of simple minded people,
Our country has been hijacked by a vocal and vociferous minority. There is no question they are the minority, because they are never successful in any elections, and yet have a disproportionate influence on our society. I fear for our country's future if we continue letting them have such a disproportionate influence, despite knowing they are not supported by the majority.
@Ahmed You know where you are living, right?
Thugs not faithful!
Pakistan is a dark place on earth.
Country is a complete mess.
Hafiz is their boss.
Peace and prosperity and stability in Pakistan and the Islamic world!
Mullahs found nice spot for readings right in the middle of streets.
Makes no sense to negotiate with anarchists. What are we negotiating? Dismantling of the state?
@Mustafa Military is very much able to clear the blockade, but they are not willing for clearing, as they themselves have created this blockade!
These protesters will be in mainstream politics in future.
These people serve no purpose for humanity. Only on this planet to take up precious space.
Thinking of how the problem started, some mischief was played by some one to introduce the changes, which were removed later. it did prove that it was done deliberately.
Protesters are right in demanding punishing the offenders and their resignations. The sit-in could be avoided by firing the Law minister and some others. The government did not do it and so the problem.
Power to the people. If a protest like these can force a minister to resign, that will be a victory for democracy which every Pakistani should rejoice.
If help is needed from Islamic Military Alliance to resolve this issue, then, it must be sought. Pakistan must not feel shy about it.