Vehicles at a standstill on 9th Avenue due to the Faizabad sit-in. Photo: INP 

ISLAMABAD: The sit-in at Faizabad Interchange entered the 18th day on Thursday, while responses from quarters concerned will be heard in the Supreme Court later in the day.

A day earlier, at least four security personnel were injured when the protesters resorted to pelting stones at security forces deployed in the area. Subsequently, four FC and police personnel, including SP Saddar Amir Niazi, were injured.

The protest has resulted in severe issues for residents of the capital and Rawalpindi who face traffic jams and mobility issues on a daily basis. At least two casualties due to ambulances being unable to cross the protesters have also been reported.

Tensions rise at Islamabad protest, four security personnel injured

Four FC and police personnel, including SP Saddar Aim Niazi, were injured

The Supreme Court took notice of the sit-in on Tuesday and sought replies from the relevant government quarters.

The apex court has sought a detailed report on what measures were taken by the government to safeguard the rights of the public and adjourned the hearing until Thursday.

In his remarks, Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked which Shariah (Islamic law) permits obstruction of people's routes and use of foul language.

Talks between the government and protesters on Saturday and then on Monday failed with no breakthrough in sight as protest leaders continue to demand the resignation of Federal Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid.

The religious parties have been protesting against the change in the finality of Prophethood oath in the law when the government passed the Elections Act 2017 last month. The change, dubbed a clerical error by the government, was immediately fixed as an amendment was passed later.

They also want responsibility fixed on other officials involved in the incident.