ISLAMABAD: The present uncertainty prevailingin the capital city, in view of protracted peace talks between Iran and the US, has forced the Tableeghi Jamaat a religious group that always keeps its composure to postpone its annual congregation for a week.

In view of the prevailing situation in Islamabad, the organisers said they approached the Raiwind, and after consultation, a new date for the Ijtema was set from April 24 to May 1.

The Tableeghi Ijtema was initially scheduled to be held in Islamabad from April 24 to April 26. `The decision was made after an assessment of the situation, to help the government`, said Mufti MohammadWaqas Rafi, Organiser of the Ijtema.

He said that the date of the Ijtema will be further postponed if the situation remains the same, or the event will be cancelled, adding that the district administration and the organisers were in contact over the security situation and the holding of the Ijtema.

However, officials of the capital police and administration said that uncertainty will continue to prevail in Islamabad until a clear picture emerges on whether the peace talks will bbe held. About 250,000 to 300,000 people from across the country attend the Ijtema in the capital, which has been taking place for the last over two decades, Mufti Rafi added.

Meanwhile, the district administration said petroland dieselstockis available in ample quantity at petrolpumps across the city, a spokesperson for the administration said, adding that, however, the administration is reviewing reports of petrol shortages at petrol pumps.

Some petrol pumps reported temporary problems due to the ban on the entry of heavy vehicles into Islamabad. Fuel supply is being ensured at all such pumps through petrol tankers.

Complete monitoring of the stock of all pumps is being carried out on the digital dashboard of the district administration. Immediate action will be taken at any pump if a shortage is reported.

Furthermore, the Red Zone of the capital was still closed on Thursday.

All ministries, divisions and other federal government establishments located within the Red Zone, Islamabad, worl(ed from home.