IHC extends deadline to end Islamabad sit-in

Islamabad High Court has granted an extension in the deadline for the clearance of the sit-in of religious parties from Islamabad's Faizabad Interchange, announced Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal while speaking to the media on Monday after court proceedings.

Iqbal was summoned by Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui for not implementing court orders to clear the sit-in at Faizabad in given deadline. According to the minister, the deadline for ending the sit-in is now November 23.

IHC summons interior minister for non-compliance of court orders

Speaking to the media after the court proceeding, Iqbal said that the operation to clear the protesters had not been complied because he had ordered the Islamabad administration to stop the operation.

"I do not want bloodshed but to find a peaceful solution to this situation," he said. Iqbal said that he had asked for an extension in the deadline, which the court has granted.

Iqbal further said that he had assured the court that whatever it takes in future, no one will be allowed to stage a sit-in which wreak havoc in city. He added that he was in talks with the religious leaders to convince them to end their sit-in. "Hopefully in 24 hours or so, we will find a solution, there will be a breakthrough," he added.

Iqbal has called an emergency meeting of Ulema belonging to all schools of thought on Monday (today) to discuss the sit-in being held at Faizabad Interchange. The meeting with the religious scholars will commence at 3 in the afternoon today.

According to an Interior Ministry statement issued Sunday, final consultation would be held with the Ulema to cope with the situation arisen due to the sit-in and to devise a strategy for keeping the nation united on the finality of Prophethood (Peace Be Upon Him).