Pakistan: Possible military operation in Islamabad Nov. 24 /update 4

Event

Members of religious parties holding a sit-in at Islamabad’s Faizabad Interchange (junction) have been given a new ultimatum by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to disperse by midnight (local time) on Friday, November 24. Authorities warned that a military operation would be launched if they do not vacate the area.

Violent clashes between the demonstrators and police, along with continued traffic disruptions, are possible in the coming hours. 

Context

The IHC ordered protesters to end their ongoing sit-in at the Faizabad Interchange in Islamabad on November 16, and issued a second warning on November 17. The Faizabad Interchange, which connects Islamabad with nearby Rawalpindi, has been occupied by supporters of several Islamist parties for the past two weeks. The protesters have thus far refused to comply with the government's ultimatums. Officials have placed shipping containers on adjacent roads to contain the protesters, resulting in significant traffic disruptions within and around Islamabad.
The protests have been organized to demand the removal of Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid, who has made several controversial statements regarding Islam angering hardliner groups.

Large-scale religious violence is not unheard of in Islamabad; in 2007, clashes between supporters of fundamentalist preachers and Pakistani authorities resulted in over 100 deaths.

Advice

Individuals in Islamabad are advised to avoid the area due to the risk of violence, anticipate transportation disruptions, and monitor the situation.