ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has declined to provide security for the long march announced by Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chief Tahirul Qadri scheduled for Jan 14, DawnNews reported on Wednesday.

DawnNews quoted sources as saying that the federal government had sought additional personnel from the  Punjab government to deploy for security during the march.

The sources added that the Punjab government had excused itself from providing additional personnel to be deployed for the security arrangements. The sources did not specify why the personnel could not be deployed.

Religious scholar and Minhaj-ul-Quran International chief, Dr Tahirul Qadri, had said in December 2012 that the country’s system has completely failed and gave the government three weeks (until Jan 10) to improve the situation. He had warned that in case the government failed to act, he would lead a protest march towards Islamabad on Jan 14.

The ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP)'s coalition ally the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had announced support for Qadri's march whereas the Pakistan Muslim League - Quaid (PML - Q) had also announced support for the TMQ chief.