Although the deadline given by the Shia Joint Action Committee for blocking roads across the country, if their demands to end ongoing operation in Bajaur and opening Parachinar road were not met, expires on the 21st of Ramazan (today), the central leadership has not taken any decision to this effect, Shia Ulema Council Secretary Information Syed Kauser Hussain Zaidi told The News.

“We would abide the decision of our central leadership which has not yet taken

any decision in this regard,” Zaidi said.

The Shia Action Committee, the Millat-e-Jafferia and other Shia organizations had threatened to block all main roads of the country, including Karachi, on 21st of Ramadhan i.e. Yaum-e-Ali against the ongoing operation in Parachinar and D.I. Khan. The ultimatum was given during a protest rally that was staged on the call of Shia Action Committee against the attack on Shia people and the blockade of main Parachinar road.

Though the demands put forward to the government were not met rather the operation has been geared up in these areas, the Joint Action Committee was still indecisive as to whether they should block the roads or not. However, the traditional mourning procession on Yaum-e-Ali would be organized on Monday.

Meanwhile, the local administration has beefed up security arrangements as precautionary measures on the roads leading to the Sindh Assembly, the Sindh High Court and the Governor House by placing containers on each side of the road. The road leading to Governor House was completely cordoned off and no vehicular traffic was allowed there till the time this report was filed.