Islamabad, Nov. 18 (TNS): All hospitals in the city were ordered to cancel doctors and paramedical staff’s leaves and ask them to be present on duty till further instructions as a 10pm deadline for Friday night given to protesters to disperse lapsed without much done on either side.
One thousand personnel were requested from the Punjab Rangers “to perform duty along with police”.
The district administration had also requisitioned water tankers and fire brigades to prepare for any eventuality.
At least eight ambulances, along with paramedical staff; two fire engines; and three water bowsers would be at the disposal of the district magistrate from Nov 18, an official letter read.
There were fears that a crackdown would have serious repercussions, with the government hinting that some of the protesters were armed and would not shy from resorting to violence.
