ISLAMABAD – The security forces could not arrest the sit-in leadership including Khadim Hussain Rizvi till now. The protesters have surrounded leadership and stopping police and Rangers.

There are prison vans, ambulances at the site. Helicopters and drones are being used by the authorities for aerial surveillance. Police have also used water cannons to disperse the protesters.

Due to operation in Islamabad people in Lahore are coming out on the roads. Lahore’s entry and exist points have been blocked by the protesters. Traffic jam has choked arteries near Data Darbar.  Along with Lahore, people in Karachi have started a protest at Numaesh Chaurangi.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulating Authority (PEMRA) has issued coverage notice for electronic media and all satellite TV channels.

After banning news channels, the government has also shut down social media websites including FaceBook, YouTube and Twitter.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa in a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has “suggested to handle the Islambad dharna peacefully”, a statement issued by the military’s media wing said.

General Bajwa has urged both sides to avoid violence “as it is not in national interest and cohesion”.