The announcement of imposition of curfew was made after a joint press conference by Federal Minister for Information Muhammad Ali Durrani and State Minister for Interior Zafar Iqbal Warraich.

G-6 area of the federal capital remained tense after 12 deaths in shootout between security forces and armed men in Lal Masjid on Tuesday. Army troops have also been called to assist Police and Rangers.

Security men have cordoned off the area surrounding Lal Masjid and laid barbed wire around it. The government officials said that those who surrender would be dealt with softly.

Lal Masjid Naib Khateeb Maualana Abdur Rasheed Ghazi talking to Geo News said he is ready to layoff arms provided the president gives him guarantee. He said the Lal Masjid management is prepared to hold talks, but it should be preceded by assurance for cessation of firing and withdrawal of rangers from their positions in Lal Masjid area.

Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) Secretary-General and opposition leader in the National Assembly Maulana Fazlur Rehman talking to Geo News said that after contacts with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Maulana Abdur Rasheed Ghazi a possibility to make some headway came around.

ISPR Spokesman Maj Gen Arshad Waeed said Wednesday the operation against Lal Masjid will be carried out by police and Rangers personnel with Pak army on standby to assist the civil administration.

He said that no tanks were called in the federal capital; there are only armoured vehicles for movement of the troops, he added.

Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah on his return from India has said that the administration has kept all options open to meet the Lal Masjid situation.