Pakistan crisis: Parliament to hold emergency meeting

BBC News ^ | 9/1/2014 | BBC

[Nextrush]

A joint session of parliament is to be held in Pakistan as PM Nawaz Sharif seeks to rally support against protestors calling for his resignation.

Clashes between security forces and demonstrators continued for a third day on Monday in the capital Islamabad.

The army has denied suggestions it is backing anti-government groups, insisting it is "apolitical".

Mr. Sharif-who was elected last year-has said he is determined to protect democracy and will not resign.

Opposition cleric Tahir ul-Qadri has insisted that Mr. Sharif should step down to face murder charges and a terrorism probe.

Mr. Quadri is supported by another opposition politician, Imran Khan-who argues that the June 2013 elections were rigged.

The BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says police were deployed in strength late on Monday as the government resumed negotiations with Mr. Qadri and Mr. Khan.....

The country's national PTV television channel on Monday was briefly taken off air after protestors stormed its headquarters in Islamabad......

Our correspondent says that a form of anarchy reigns on Islamabad's high-security Constitution Avenue, where crowds have been gathered for nearly three weeks...

[cherokee1]

Both the Pakis and the NGooks haven’t been getting any press attention lately. It’s been about time for them both to “act up” so’s they can get their mojo back. Just wouldn’t do for either of them to STFU and take care of their people.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Nextrush.

The army has denied suggestions it is backing anti-government groups, insisting it is "apolitical".

Yeah, good one.

Opposition cleric Tahir ul-Qadri has insisted that Mr. Sharif should step down to face murder charges and a terrorism probe. Mr. Quadri is supported by another opposition politician, Imran Khan-who argues that the June 2013 elections were rigged.

Wait -- "opposition cleric"? I thought Islam was also apolitical. /s