International Shia News Agency

Anti-government protestors clash with Police in Pakistan

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – Anti-government protestors clashed with police on Sunday clashed with near the prime minister’s residence after a night of violence that saw hundreds wounded and the first death in more than two weeks of demonstrations. Ex-cricket player turned politician Imran Khan and cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri have led twin protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, alleging massive voting fraud in the election that brought him into office last year in the country’s first democratic transfer of power.

Backed by parliament and many political parties, Sharif has refused to step down. Government negotiators have tried to convince Qadri and Khan to end their protests. The protesters started regrouping at daybreak Sunday and made repeated attempts to make their way through heavy deployment of police and barricades to reach the premier’s residence. Police strengthened their lines and responded by firing tear gas canisters.

Scores of protesters, including women, carrying hammers and iron rods broke down a fence outside the parliament building late Saturday, enabling hundreds of people to enter the lawns and parking area, according to an Associated Press photographer at the scene. Islamabad police chief said the protesters were armed with large hammers, wire cutters, axes and even a crane. More than 300 people including women, children and police officers were admitted to two government hospitals in the Pakistani capital,medics and police said.

Source: The Chronicle

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