ISLAMABAD: The administration of the federal capital has decided to shut off street lights around the area of Faizabad Interchange as the sit-in by protesters of a religious party continues into its third week. 

The decision was taken during a meeting presided over by Commissioner Islamabad Zulfiqar Haider. 

The high-level huddle also discussed the problems being faced by the people due to the sit-in. 

Sources also reported that it is being pondered upon whether to restrict the movement and routes used by the protesters.

The metro bus services, running the federal capital, has been suspended for 14 days and shopkeepers in the area are facing hardship and loss of business due to the sit in.

Students of schools and colleges have also suffered as their commute time has increased significantly. 

Major roads of the federal capital have also been blocked by containers in order to mitigate the risk of the protests spilling over.

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that when the writ of the state ends, decisions are made on the streets. 

The bench, comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Mushir Alam, also expressed its displeasure at the unrelenting situation and noted that the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi were facing serious problems as a result of the sit-in.

The apex court bench added that the sit-in is all about the ego of one man and his quest for fame. 

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal also stated that the state is on one page regarding sit-in and the government is still trying to resolve the issue through peaceful means. 

The Army said on Wednesday that it would act upon whatever decision the government makes on the ongoing sit-in in Islamabad.

General Ghafoor, however, said it is better to diffuse the situation through mutual understanding, adding that whatever decision the government makes in this regard would be acted upon.

The Supreme Court had taken notice of the protests on Tuesday and had sought replies from the relevant government quarters. The apex court had also issued notices to Inspector General Islamabad Police and Attorney General.

On Wednesday, at least four security personnel were injured when the protesters resorted to pelting stones at security forces deployed in the area. Four FC and police personnel, including SP Saddar Amir Niazi, were injured as a result.

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.

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 protests are being held 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.