Ongoing operation: Police crackdown hard on Faizabad protesters

Islamabad police, with the help of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and Rangers, launched on Saturday an operation against the protesters who have camped out in Faizabad Interchange since last 19 days, demanding the resignation of Law Minster Zahid Hamid.

On court orders, the operation was commenced following expiry of the midnight deadline set by the district administration. Around 8,000 security officials are taking part in the operation, including 3,000 FC personnel. The authorities are also conducting aerial surveillance of the operation from helicopters.

Live from #FaizabadDharna pic.twitter.com/NjdP6wQ4U4

— M Hanzala Tayyab MHT (@OfficialHanzala) November 25, 2017

Police have surrounded the area and used tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters. Water cannons have also been used to clear the people camped out. In response, the protesters resorted to throwing stones at the security forces.

The protesters have also set fire to 13 police mobiles. Four of these vehicles were set ablaze near a petrol station.

Two policemen succumbed to their injuries after getting critically injured when protesters pelted stones at the security officials.

Law enforcers are conducting operation against the protesters from five directions - Khanna Pul, GT Road, Islamabad Club Road, Express Highway and Murree Road. Schools at Murree Road have been evacuated due to the tear gas shelling in the area.

According to local media, the police have detained nearly half of the protesters on I.J. Principal Road near the Faizabad Interchange. However, in Rawalpindi's Murree Road, the shelling is still going on.

During the clash between the police and protesters, several have been injured and have been taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

Crackdown finally begins at #FaizabadDharna #SamaaBreaking pic.twitter.com/MUXntbKZZy

— Farhan Mallick (@FGMallick) November 25, 2017