AMN
At least six people were killed and over 200 injured last evening, when security personnel launched a crackdown on protesters belonging to hardline religious groups.
At least 111 of those injured are said to be members of security forces.
The protesters have been blocking the highway connecting the capital Islamabad with Rawalpindi since the 8th of this month, demanding the resignation of Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid over a perceived softening of the state’s position on blasphemy.
Protests have also been reported from several other cities including Karachi and Lahore. Army has been called in to restore the law and order situation.
The Islamabad High Court has issued contempt of court notice against Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal for failing to implement its orders to clear the roads.