ISLAMABAD- Islamabad district management was in a fix on Monday when it came to evacuation of protesters from Constitution Avenue on the orders of the Supreme Court.
“It is really an uphill task to make the people leave the place. We are working on different options for implementation of Supreme Court’s orders which have directed us to get the Constitution Avenue cleared from marchers,” a senior most official of Islamabad District told The Nation on late Monday night.
Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan chaired an emergency meeting of Islamabad and Rawalpindi administration to discuss strategies to comply with orders of the apex court.
Insiders said that Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan strongly rejected proposal of using force against protesters to make them leave the place. He, however, made it clear to officials of Islamabad district management that court’s order must be implemented in true letter and spirit.
“Ensure the implementation of Supreme Court’s decision and get ready to take the bull by horns if necessary,” a police officer who attended the meeting, quoted Nisar as saying while chairing the meeting.
The minister expressed hope that the things would be settled peacefully very soon and the negotiations are in process and heading in positive direction.
On the other hands, protesters told The Nation that they wouldn’t hesitate to scuffle with police if their leader wanted them to do so. “We are here for Qadri Sahib. We can sacrifice our lives for our leader,” Usman Khan, a follower of Tahirul Qadri, said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official of ICT police said they were ready to use force against the protesters who have been testing police’s patience since August 15. “We are ready for final encounter,” said the official.
Sources said Islamabad police have equipped its force with rubber bullets and tear gas shells.