At least two dead after Pakistan anti-government protests turn violent
- 10 years ago
At least two people have been killed and more than 400 injured in anti government protests overnight in Pakistan.
Around 8,000 protesters gathered outside parliament over the weekend demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.
Police baton-charged the crowds and fired tear gas and rubber bullets after hundreds of protesters attempted to storm parliament. They got as far as the main entrance where the army is deployed before being pushed back.
Pakistan has been gripped by unrest for more than two weeks.
Pakistan’s government says it is trying to re-open talks with opposition groups but protest leaders Imran Khan and Tahir ul-Qadri say they will not back back down until Sharif resigns. Protesters claim the 2013 election which brought Sharif to power was rigged.
Pakistan’s military stepped in this week saying it would mediate between the two sides.
Around 8,000 protesters gathered outside parliament over the weekend demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.
Police baton-charged the crowds and fired tear gas and rubber bullets after hundreds of protesters attempted to storm parliament. They got as far as the main entrance where the army is deployed before being pushed back.
Pakistan has been gripped by unrest for more than two weeks.
Pakistan’s government says it is trying to re-open talks with opposition groups but protest leaders Imran Khan and Tahir ul-Qadri say they will not back back down until Sharif resigns. Protesters claim the 2013 election which brought Sharif to power was rigged.
Pakistan’s military stepped in this week saying it would mediate between the two sides.