ISLAMABAD: The authorities issued a ‘last warning’ on Sunday to the Lal Masjid cleric and his fighters, as speculation mounted security forces would launch a full-scale assault.

“This is the last warning for you to surrender,” authorities said over loudspeakers outside the mosque, a resident who heard the announcement said. “The final round has begun. That’s a possibility,” a government official said when asked if an assault was imminent.—Reuters