Pro-Qadri agitation on despite Pak Govt's ultimatum

Pro-Mumtaz Qadri supporters' protest at D-Chowk ran into its fourth day on Wednesday, with protesters refusing to cease their demonstration saying they are willing to die even as armed security forces ready themselves to clear the Red Zone.

The Pakistan Government had on Tuesday given ultimatum to the protesters to leave the venue. But after they refused to follow the ultimatum, the government issues a second call, saying security forces would begin an operation to clear the area on Wednesday morning. However, there has been no fresh warning from the government even as the warning expired.

The protesters, on the other hand, said they would not move until the government accepts their 10 demands.

While army troops are standing guards at government buildings near the protest site, more than 7,000 security forces have been poised to clear the sit-in, including the Rangers and Frontier Corps, with reinforcements from the Punjab police, reports Dawn.

The government is still thinking as to what course of action could be taken to clear the highly-sensitive area outside Parliament.

The protesters, in front of Parliament, issued a list of 10 demands under the banner of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool (SAW), including unconditional release of all Sunni clerics and leaders booked on various charges such as terrorism and murder.

They also demanded Qadri be recognised as a martyr and the conversion of his Adiala Jail cell into a national heritage site, assurances that blasphemy laws will not be amended and removal of Ahmadis and other non-Muslims who occupy key posts.

The protesters further demanded the execution of blasphemy accused Aasia Bibi, the woman former Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer was killed for defending.

Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar had on Tuesday warned protesters that the government would clear the area "at any cost" if they refused to disperse on their own overnight.

However, protesters have pressed ahead their demands and continued their sit-in.

Qadri, an Elite Force commando, was executed at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail on February 29. He shot Taseer 28 times in broad daylight in Islamabad's Kohsar Market on January 4, 2011.

Qadri had said he killed Taseer over what he called the politician's vocal opposition to blasphemy laws of the country.