Small protests break out in major cities against Islamabad crackdown

Small protests are breaking out in  major cities of the country  against government's  crackdown on a sit-in in Islamabad.

The protesters belonging to different religious parties started gathering in  Karachi,  Lahore and other cities after TV footage showed police and activists of a small outfit led by Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi clashing  .

A policeman was martyred and over 100 people including security personnel have  been injured  in the crackdown that continues since  early morning. 

Sindh Governor House road blocked

Owing to the crisis unfolding the country's capital, road to Governor House in Karachi was barricaded.

 The metropolitan’s Numaish Chorangi that had been previously blocked for  days due to the protests is now under strict police surveillance and monitoring.

Protesters took to Tower, Shahra-e-Faisal, Star gate, Malir and Old Sabzi Mandi to stage protests along with various other key areas in Karachi.

Data Darbar in Lahore

Due to concerns of  expected retaliatory action in Lahore, Data Darbar was closed for visitors.

Sources say that in view of possible protest in Lahore and any unfortunate incident, instructions have been given to close down markets as well.

According to police, protestors torched a vehicle on Shahdra after which police forces teargased the crowd.

Similar incidents were reported from  Sialkot, Faislabad and Gujranwala where protesters blocked roads and put vehicles on fire.