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Ahsan Iqbal hopeful of ending sit-in in 48 hours

Ahsan Iqbal hopeful of ending sit-in in 48 hours
November 20, 2017
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has on Monday while expressing the confidence that some breakthrough might be possible within 48 hours said that the government was aware to the sufferings of people of the twin cities. Talking to media after appearing before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), he said that the government does not want a showdown resulting in another Lal Masjid incident. The minister said that a meeting of Ulema and Mashaikh has also been convened this afternoon for consultations on the issue. Earlier, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal appeared before the court after being summoned by the IHC over non-compliance of the court orders to clear the Faizabad Interchange of protesters. The IHC judge Justice Shaukat Siddiqui was hearing a petition filed by citizen Abdul Qayyum after passing directives to authorities concerned to ensure the dispersal of protesters on the same petition three days ago. During the proceedings, the judge asked why the government failed to clear the Faizabad Interchange despite court orders. Justice Shaukat Siddiqui also remarked that the court will issue a contempt of court order, if the orders not implemented. Answering the court's query, the minister said the government is trying to resolve the issue through peaceful means. The interior minister sought also 48-hours time from the court to resolve the issue. He said an appeal through the newspapers has also been made to the protesters to call-off their sit-in and religious parties have also contacted the government to mediate in resolving the matter. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Captain (r) Mushtaq Ahmed and Inspector General (IG) also appeared before the court and apprised the judge of latest developments.