ISLAMABAD: The tension rises in Islamabad as the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri has announced to move sit-in towards Parliament right inside the Red Zone.
He, however, took a pledge from the protestors to remain completely peaceful and non-violent during the march towards Red Zone.
Moreover, Dr Qadri repeated his demand for the arrest of the Sharif brothers for planning and involvement in Model Town massacre and took pledge from his highly charged supporters to take revenge from government.
On the other hand, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has announced that Pakistan Army has been given the responsibility of securing the sensitive Red Zone in Federal Capital.
While addressing a press conference, he said that the constitution allows the army to be deployed under Articles 131 and 245 in a situation relating to internal security. “We are calling army to protect the Red Zone which we have international obligations to fulfill and it is not against any political party” he said.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has also confirmed the development in a statement saying that Army has been deployed for the security of Red Zone.
Police deputed in Islamabad’s Red zone area were also ordered to utilize force against protesters if they tried to enter Red Zone of capital.
An official told that Interior Ministry has allowed the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and lathi (baton) charge against the protesters if they entered the Red Zone.
Security of Red Zone has been divided into three layers with policemen deputed on the front, Rangers as the second tier, while army troops have been deployed in the third layer to protect key installations.
