Islamabad Police, Frontier Constabulary (FC,) and Rangers has started operation early Saturday morning against the protesters at the city’s Faizabad Interchange.
Islamabad Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters and detained dozens in the process.
Islamabad operation was commenced on directions of the Islamabad High Court following expiry of the midnight deadline set by the district administration.
Prison vans, ambulances are at the site, while helicopters and drones are being used by the authorities for aerial surveillance. Riot police also used water cannons to disperse the protesters.
Around 8,000 security officials are taking part in the operation, including 3,000 FC personnel.
Several police and FC officials were injured as protesters pelted stones, rocks at them.
According to district administration sources, the Faizabad interchange is now in control of authorities as the operation continues in the area as well as Murree Road.
Some schools situated at Murree Road have been evacuated because of the tear gas shelling in the area.
DC Islamabad Captain (retd) Mushtaq said, while talking to local news channel ‘Geo News’ said “We have issued orders to commence the operation.”
Minutes prior to starting the operation, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) removed the barbed wire fences surrounding the sit-in area, where protesters belonging to a religious party had been demonstrating for 20 days. (PhotoNews / Geo News)
