ISLAMABAD: Though the government has yet to issue clear instructions on how to deal with Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest, the capital administration and police are working on a plan to handle the situation in line with the standard operating procedure (SOP), sources told Dawn.

TLP launched the march towards Islamabad on Wednesday and will stay here until either the Netherlands ban a blasphemous cartoons competition or the government immediately ends diplomatic ties with the country.

An officer of the capital administration said when they approached the interior ministry for directives it replied to follow the SOP in this regard.

The administration then sought two paramilitary troops of 10 to 12 platoons each from Rangers and the Frontier Constabulary, the officer said.

Contingents of police from Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would also be sought if required, he said.

At the moment, leaves of the capital police have been cancelled and anti-riot units, anti-terrorism squad, capital police reserves and counter-terrorism force have been put on a standby, he stated, adding that Special Branch will provide information about the TLP, including its strength and plans.

The TLP workers are scheduled to spend tonight in Gujrat and are expected to reach Islamabad capital Thursday night or Friday morning.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.