The government late Tuesday night decided to launch operation against the armed brigade of the Lal Masjid and also announced amnesty to those who would voluntarily surrender before the action.
The decision to this effect was taken at a three-hour long meeting under the chairmanship of President General Musharraf at the President's camp office, Rawalpindi, which was attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, President Pakistan Muslim League, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Secretary General Pakistan Muslim League, Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani, State Minister for Interior, Zafar Iqbal Warriach and other senior officials.
It was decided that the government would launch a massive crackdown against those who had been challenging the writ of the government for the last many months. However, it was also decided that those who would voluntarily surrender before the law enforcement agencies would be given amnesty.
The meeting also decided to impose curfew in Lal Masjid area. Sector G-6 towards Seventh Avenue, Loqman Hakeem Road, Sahrwardy Road and Sadr Road come under the purview of the curfew.
Later, briefing the media, State Minister for Interior, Zafar Iqbal Wrriach said that the government would announce on loudspeakers and on TV channels its offer for amnesty and if any person would defy curfew, would be dealt strictly. He said that on the request of Islamabad Police, more contingents of rangers and army were brought to Islamabad to tackle the situation.
He also asked the media people to be careful while performing their professional duties in the area. Interior Ministry will lead the operation, he said.