Scenes of chaos have erupted in Pakistan after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. PTI workers have come out on the streets demanding the release of Imran Khan. According to officials at least 2 PTI workers have been killed in the clashes while the PTI claims 5 of its workers have been killed.

Pakistan: Protests erupt after Imran Khan's arrest

After economic crisis and political instability, unrest grips Pakistan. From Balochistan to Sindh to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), protesters hit the streets of the country. Watch this report to know more.

WION Fineprint: From Sindh to KPK, unrest rocks Pakistan

In an alleged democracy of Pakistan, agitators including young men and women who had gathered outside the assembly of the Sindh province in Pakistan were shoved, dragged and manhandled by the Pakistan police. These protesters were demanding the release of two missing Baloch students

Pakistan police accused of manhandling protestors

At least three policemen and several were injured during violent clashes between Pakistani security forces and a right-wing group in the eastern city of Lahore on Friday. This comes after the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party began its "long march" from the city to the capital Islamabad.

Pakistan: TLP members damage public property, clash with security forces in Lahore

Pakistan: Thousands from TLP Islamist party gather in Lahore for protest, at least 3 policemen killed

At least two Pakistani policemen were killed on Friday in clashes with supporters of a banned radical Islamist party, which has previously called for the expulsion of the French ambassador.

More than 1,000 people gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, blocking roads and demanding the release of the Tehreek-Labbaik Pakistan leader, Saad Rizvi.&nbsp;

Rizvi was arrested in April, when Pakistan's government outlawed the party in response to violent anti-France protests.

"Two police constables were killed today in the line of duty during clashes," Rana Arif, a spokesman for Lahore police, told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-3-policemen-killed-in-clashes-with-banned-tehreek-e-labbaik-pakistan-activists-in-lahore-423116">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-3-policemen-killed-in-clashes-with-banned-tehreek-e-labbaik-pakistan-activists-in-lahore-423116/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mazhar Hussain, a second police official, said protesters had hurled petrol bombs at officers when they moved in to clear the protest.&nbsp;

"The mob also used sticks and pelted police with stones," he said.

The TLP has said it will not end protests or enter into talks with the government until their leader is released.

Supporters have threatened to move in convoys towards the capital Islamabad, where police have closed off roads with shipping containers.

The TLP has waged an anti-France campaign since President Emmanuel Macron defended the right of a satirical magazine to republish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed -- an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims.

Six police officers were killed in April, when the TLP staged days of rallies which paralysed roads.

It led to the French embassy recommending all of its citizens leave the country.

The group has previously received widespread support from mainstream religious groups, complicating government efforts to crack down on the party.

Few issues are as galvanising in Pakistan as blasphemy, and even the slightest suggestion of an insult to Islam can supercharge protests, incite lynchings, and unite the country's warring political parties.

At least two Pakistani policemen were killed on Friday in clashes with supporters of a banned radical Islamist party, which has previously called for the expulsion of the French ambassador.

At least two Pakistani policemen were killed on Friday in clashes with supporters of a banned radical Islamist party, which has previously called for the expulsion of the French ambassador. More than 1,000 people gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, blocking roads and demanding the release of the Tehreek-Labbaik Pakistan leader, Saad Rizvi. Rizvi was arrested in April, when Pakistan's government outlawed the party in response to violent anti-France protests. "Two police constables were killed today in the line of duty during clashes," Rana Arif, a spokesman for Lahore police, told AFP. WATCH | Mazhar Hussain, a second police official, said protesters had hurled petrol bombs at officers when they moved in to clear the protest. "The mob also used sticks and pelted police with stones," he said. The TLP has said it will not end protests or enter into talks with the government until their leader is released. Supporters have threatened to move in convoys towards the capital Islamabad, where police have closed off roads with shipping containers. The TLP has waged an anti-France campaign since President Emmanuel Macron defended the right of a satirical magazine to republish cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed -- an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims. Six police officers were killed in April, when the TLP staged days of rallies which paralysed roads. It led to the French embassy recommending all of its citizens leave the country. The group has previously received widespread support from mainstream religious groups, complicating government efforts to crack down on the party. Few issues are as galvanising in Pakistan as blasphemy, and even the slightest suggestion of an insult to Islam can supercharge protests, incite lynchings, and unite the country's warring political parties.

Two Pakistan police killed in clashes with banned radical party

The Taliban on Tuesday fired shots into the air to disperse crowds who had gathered for an anti-Pakistan rally in Kabul. Afghans rallied outside the Pakistani embassy, holding banners and chanting against what they said was meddling by Islamabad.

Taliban fire shots to disperse anti-Pakistan rally in Kabul

France has asked its citizens to leave Pakistan as #FranceLeavePakistan trended on Twitter. The French Embassy has been turned into a fortress after some called for the death of the French Ambassador. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what's happening.

Gravitas: France tells citizens to leave Pakistan

In the wake of violent ant-France protests across Pakistan, the French embassy in Pakistan has advised all French nationals and companies to temporarily leave the country. Violent anti-France protests paralysed large parts of the country this week.

French embassy advises citizens to leave Pakistan after anti-French protests

900+ Sikh pilgrims have been stranded in Pakistan as protesters block highways & roads. What are the protests about? What is Imran Khan govt doing to stop them? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Unrest & Protests grip Pakistan

Protests have erupted in several cities across Pakistan after Lahore police took the far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi into custody. So far 3 people including one policeman has been killed in the violent demonstrations.

Protests across Pakistan after Lahore police arrested far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi

As Prime Minister Imran Khan intensifies his efforts to stop the Lahore rally by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the Punjab government has imposed a "smart lockdown" in 13 areas surrounding the Minar-e-Pakistan.

According to a report by SAMAA TV, a notification issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department on Saturday stated that the order will come into force tonight and will stay till December 25.

The areas included in the list are -- Rang Mehal, Androon Shera Wala Gate, Mochi Gate, Adroon Bhatti Gate, Chuhan Road, four streets of Ravi Road and four streets in Badami Bagh.Entry and exit into the neighbourhoods will be controlled and people will only be allowed to go out unless absolutely necessary, SAMAA TV reported.

Meanwhile, the local administration has denied permission to the PDM to hold the rally on December 13 citing a surge in coronavirus cases.Earlier, Imran Khan had warned the opposition that police cases will be lodged against organisers.

In an interview to a private news channel, the premier said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but won`t stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he had said.&nbsp;

As Prime Minister Imran Khan intensifies his efforts to stop the Lahore rally by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the Punjab government has imposed a "smart lockdown" in 13 areas surrounding the Minar-e-Pakistan.

As Prime Minister Imran Khan intensifies his efforts to stop the Lahore rally by Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the Punjab government has imposed a "smart lockdown" in 13 areas surrounding the Minar-e-Pakistan. According to a report by SAMAA TV, a notification issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department on Saturday stated that the order will come into force tonight and will stay till December 25. The areas included in the list are -- Rang Mehal, Androon Shera Wala Gate, Mochi Gate, Adroon Bhatti Gate, Chuhan Road, four streets of Ravi Road and four streets in Badami Bagh.Entry and exit into the neighbourhoods will be controlled and people will only be allowed to go out unless absolutely necessary, SAMAA TV reported. Meanwhile, the local administration has denied permission to the PDM to hold the rally on December 13 citing a surge in coronavirus cases.Earlier, Imran Khan had warned the opposition that police cases will be lodged against organisers. In an interview to a private news channel, the premier said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but won`t stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he had said.

Smart lockdown in 13 areas ahead of opposition rally in Pakistan

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with&nbsp;October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Five days later, on October 27 1947, Indian troops arrived after the instrument of accession was signed by the then king Hari Singh.

In Nepal, "Indian youths of Nepal Observe Black day" were seen which paid homage to the sacrifices made by "millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims" for the state while dealing with Pakistani atrocities. In the Hague, Netherlands bus with a board saying "black day against illegal Pakistani occupation: seeking compensation for damages" was seen in front of the Peace Palace that houses the International court of justice.

Protests happened in Japan, Seoul, London, Brussels, Geneva, San Francisco, Malaysia. A car rally has been planned in Washington to mark the 73rd "remembrance day of Pakistan's Brutal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir". The rally will go up to the Pakistani embassy in Washington, US.

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Global protests took place on Thursday to highlight the Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir coinciding with October 22 "black day". On this day on 1947, Pakistani raiders invaded the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Five days later, on October 27 1947, Indian troops arrived after the instrument of accession was signed by the then king Hari Singh. In Nepal, "Indian youths of Nepal Observe Black day" were seen which paid homage to the sacrifices made by "millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims" for the state while dealing with Pakistani atrocities. In the Hague, Netherlands bus with a board saying "black day against illegal Pakistani occupation: seeking compensation for damages" was seen in front of the Peace Palace that houses the International court of justice. Protests happened in Japan, Seoul, London, Brussels, Geneva, San Francisco, Malaysia. A car rally has been planned in Washington to mark the 73rd "remembrance day of Pakistan's Brutal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir". The rally will go up to the Pakistani embassy in Washington, US.

Global protests against Pakistan to mark October 22 'black day'

In Pakistan, the opposition has declared that Covid-18 is more dangerous than COVID-19. What are they talking about? Watch this report by Palki Sharma Upadhyay to find out.

Gravitas: Protests against 'COVID-18' in Pakistan

The Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) first anti-government protest is going to be held in Gujranwala in a few hours.

The opposition, comprising 11 parties including PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party), and JUI-F (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl), will participate in the rally.

The anti-government rally is organised to protest against army atrocities and demand for Prime Minister Imran Khan's resignation in the backdrop of corruption, economic slowdown, and poor governance.

Pakistan is under tremendous pressure owing to the coronavirus pandemic -- which has worsened the decay already existing in the system.

Balochistan, POK (Pakistan-occupied Kasmir), GB (Gilgit-Baltistan), Sindh, and Punjab are also under pressure to form different political groups to stop this decay.

A large gathering of PML-N supporters was witnessed in Punjab province before the start of the rally. Anti-government protesters shouting slogans like "Look who has arrived, Lion is here."&nbsp;

The PML-N supporters swarmed the streets with Nawaz Sharif's placards accompanied with music, who will virtually address the rally from London.

The protesters had already started pouring in Gujranwala since last night, where the whole atmosphere reverberated with the slogans like, "Ek take me do Niyazi" referring to the shady performance of Imran Khan as the PM of Pakistan.

In order to foil the rally, the Punjab administration in connivance with Pak Army and centre started blocking the road leading to the rally spot. About 5,000 police personnel were deployed along the road leading to the Jinnah stadium.

People coming from other places to participate in the rally with their own vehicles were stopped 4-5 km away from the venue. Also, containers were put in the middle of the road to block the entry of the protesters.

Truck/container drivers who were bound to leave for Karachi with goods were forcibly stopped by the police and the trucks/containers were placed in the middle of the road to obstruct the path of the protesters. "Nothing was paid to us (truck/container drivers) and we are left in the middle of the road", said a truck driver when asked about the reimbursement.

Top opposition leaders including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz, and Bilawal Bhutto are scheduled to address participants at the stadium.

(with inputs)

The Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) first anti-government protest is going to be held in Gujranwala in a few hours. The opposition, comprising 11 parties including PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party), and JUI-F (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl), will participate in the rally.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) first anti-government protest is going to be held in Gujranwala in a few hours. The opposition, comprising 11 parties including PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party), and JUI-F (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl), will participate in the rally. The anti-government rally is organised to protest against army atrocities and demand for Prime Minister Imran Khan's resignation in the backdrop of corruption, economic slowdown, and poor governance. Pakistan is under tremendous pressure owing to the coronavirus pandemic -- which has worsened the decay already existing in the system. Balochistan, POK (Pakistan-occupied Kasmir), GB (Gilgit-Baltistan), Sindh, and Punjab are also under pressure to form different political groups to stop this decay. A large gathering of PML-N supporters was witnessed in Punjab province before the start of the rally. Anti-government protesters shouting slogans like "Look who has arrived, Lion is here." The PML-N supporters swarmed the streets with Nawaz Sharif's placards accompanied with music, who will virtually address the rally from London. The protesters had already started pouring in Gujranwala since last night, where the whole atmosphere reverberated with the slogans like, "Ek take me do Niyazi" referring to the shady performance of Imran Khan as the PM of Pakistan. In order to foil the rally, the Punjab administration in connivance with Pak Army and centre started blocking the road leading to the rally spot. About 5,000 police personnel were deployed along the road leading to the Jinnah stadium. People coming from other places to participate in the rally with their own vehicles were stopped 4-5 km away from the venue. Also, containers were put in the middle of the road to block the entry of the protesters. Truck/container drivers who were bound to leave for Karachi with goods were forcibly stopped by the police and the trucks/containers were placed in the middle of the road to obstruct the path of the protesters. "Nothing was paid to us (truck/container drivers) and we are left in the middle of the road", said a truck driver when asked about the reimbursement. Top opposition leaders including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz, and Bilawal Bhutto are scheduled to address participants at the stadium. (with inputs)

Stage set for PDM rally in Gujranwala; govt trying to obstruct it

Over 450 workers from Pakistan's Opposition parties have been booked in Lahore and other areas of Punjab province ahead of the first grand anti-government rally on Friday by an alliance formed to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Massive protest held in Pakistan due to inflation

The leaders of the Christian community have launched a protest against the killing of two Christians near a church by four unidentified gunmen who opened fire at them in Pakistan's Balochistan province, officials said.&nbsp

Provincial police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said that a group of Christians had come out of the church yesterday when the four gunmen appeared on two motorcycles from a nearby lane and opened fire on them.

"Two people were killed on the spot while six others were injured and rushed to a hospital," he said.

The deceased have been identified as Azhar Masih and Rohail Masih. They were residents of Essa Nagri which houses a large population of the Christian community.

The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State terror group.

Ansari said that it appeared that the purpose of the attack was to spread panic and fear in the province. 
 
"These terrorists are targeting security forces and now minorities to spread fear and panic because of the ongoing operation against them in the province," he said.

The Christian community staged a protest demonstration against the provincial government and called for the immediate arrest of the attackers. They also urged the government to provide protection to all members of the Christian community in Quetta.

Pakistan has been battling armed groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The attacks often target Pakistan's minorities, including Shia Muslims as well as Christians, Hindus and members of the Ahmadiyya sect.

Earlier this month, four members of a Christian family travelling in a rickshaw were killed in a firing incident on Quetta's Shah Zaman road. The Christian family belonged to Punjab Province and had come to Quetta to see relatives.

In December last year, nine people were killed and 30 injured in a suicide attack on the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church on Quetta's Zarghoon Road.

At least two suicide attackers had struck the Bethel Memorial Church while Sunday service was ongoing. There were 400 worshipers inside the church when the assault started. 
&nbsp

The leaders of the Christian community have launched a protest against the killing of two Christians near a church by four unidentified gunmen who opened fire at them in Pakistan's Balochistan province

The leaders of the Christian community have launched a protest against the killing of two Christians near a church by four unidentified gunmen who opened fire at them in Pakistan's Balochistan province, officials said. Provincial police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said that a group of Christians had come out of the church yesterday when the four gunmen appeared on two motorcycles from a nearby lane and opened fire on them. "Two people were killed on the spot while six others were injured and rushed to a hospital," he said. The deceased have been identified as Azhar Masih and Rohail Masih. They were residents of Essa Nagri which houses a large population of the Christian community. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State terror group. Ansari said that it appeared that the purpose of the attack was to spread panic and fear in the province. "These terrorists are targeting security forces and now minorities to spread fear and panic because of the ongoing operation against them in the province," he said. The Christian community staged a protest demonstration against the provincial government and called for the immediate arrest of the attackers. They also urged the government to provide protection to all members of the Christian community in Quetta. Pakistan has been battling armed groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The attacks often target Pakistan's minorities, including Shia Muslims as well as Christians, Hindus and members of the Ahmadiyya sect. Earlier this month, four members of a Christian family travelling in a rickshaw were killed in a firing incident on Quetta's Shah Zaman road. The Christian family belonged to Punjab Province and had come to Quetta to see relatives. In December last year, nine people were killed and 30 injured in a suicide attack on the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church on Quetta's Zarghoon Road. At least two suicide attackers had struck the Bethel Memorial Church while Sunday service was ongoing. There were 400 worshipers inside the church when the assault started.

Protests against killing of two Christians in Pakistan

Scores of activists of religious parties surrounded a Christian colony in Lahore, demanding the arrest of a Christian man who allegedly posted blasphemous content on the social media.

According to local media reports, the mob demanded Patras Masih be handed over to them, called for beheading of the boy and threatened to burn Christian homes if the boy wasn&#39;t handed over.

Many Christian families have fled the area fearing for their lives, the reports said.

The activists of Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA) and other religious parties gathered in Shahdara area in Lahore and surrounded the Christian families living there. Pakistan journalist Naila Inayat took to Twitter and said 
that the boy&#39;s father has been arrested. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In Lahore, 17-year-old Christian boy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PatrasMasih?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PatrasMasih</a> is accused of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blasphemy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blasphemy</a> on social media by a local cleric. An angry mob led by Tehreek-e-Labaiak gathered outside Masih&#39;s house in Shahdara. Police lodged FIR under 295-C and the boy&#39;s father Indreas was arrested yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/O9F4ppH1LG">pic.twitter.com/O9F4ppH1LG</a>
&mdash; Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/965850452200972288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

The 17-year-old Pakistani Christian boy has been accused of posting blasphemous content on social media.

Patras Masih, a resident of Lahore&#39;s Shahdara reportedly managed a group on the social network Facebook, where he had loaded blasphemous contents, which apparently hurt the religious feelings of Muslims.&#39;

In his defence, Masih stated that a couple of days ago he had lost his cell phone and that someone else published the content which is considered blasphemous.A report about the incident on a website called &quot;Christians in Pakistan&quot;, with the tagline &quot;Voice of Pakistani Christians&quot;, said - &quot;Patras Masih lost his cell phone a few days earlier and someone posted blasphemous content on his Facebook account.&quot;

However, we have not been able to verify the claim independently.

Pakistan ranks as the fifth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA&#39;s 2018 World Watch List.

According to the report, not only is blasphemy a crime punishable by death under the Pakistan penal code, blasphemy allegations have in the past led to Pakistani Christians being killed by enraged Muslim mobs.&nbsp;

According to local media reports, the mob demanded Patras Masih be handed over to them, called for beheading of the boy and threatened to burn Christian homes if the boy wasn't handed over

Scores of activists of religious parties surrounded a Christian colony in Lahore, demanding the arrest of a Christian man who allegedly posted blasphemous content on the social media. According to local media reports, the mob demanded Patras Masih be handed over to them, called for beheading of the boy and threatened to burn Christian homes if the boy wasn't handed over. Many Christian families have fled the area fearing for their lives, the reports said. The activists of Tehreek-e-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLYRA) and other religious parties gathered in Shahdara area in Lahore and surrounded the Christian families living there. Pakistan journalist Naila Inayat took to Twitter and said that the boy's father has been arrested. In Lahore, 17-year-old Christian boy #PatrasMasih is accused of #blasphemy on social media by a local cleric. An angry mob led by Tehreek-e-Labaiak gathered outside Masih's house in Shahdara. Police lodged FIR under 295-C and the boy's father Indreas was arrested yesterday. pic.twitter.com/O9F4ppH1LG — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) February 20, 2018 × The 17-year-old Pakistani Christian boy has been accused of posting blasphemous content on social media. Patras Masih, a resident of Lahore's Shahdara reportedly managed a group on the social network Facebook, where he had loaded blasphemous contents, which apparently hurt the religious feelings of Muslims.' In his defence, Masih stated that a couple of days ago he had lost his cell phone and that someone else published the content which is considered blasphemous.A report about the incident on a website called "Christians in Pakistan", with the tagline "Voice of Pakistani Christians", said - "Patras Masih lost his cell phone a few days earlier and someone posted blasphemous content on his Facebook account." However, we have not been able to verify the claim independently. Pakistan ranks as the fifth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's 2018 World Watch List. According to the report, not only is blasphemy a crime punishable by death under the Pakistan penal code, blasphemy allegations have in the past led to Pakistani Christians being killed by enraged Muslim mobs.

Protests erupt in Pakistan over Christian man's alleged blasphemy

Pakistani authorities ordered private television channels to go off air on Saturday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/policeman-dead-over-100-injured-as-islamist-sit-in-paralyses-islamabad-25091">during a police and paramilitary crackdown on Islamist protesters in the capital</a>.

The suspension was ordered by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority for violating media regulations showing live coverage of a security operation, a statement from the regulator said. State-run Pakistan Television continued to broadcast, but aired a talk show discussing politics.

Pakistani police used tear gas and watercannon and fought running battles with stone-throwing Islamist activists, as they moved to clear a protest by the religious hard-liners who have blocked main routes into Islamabad for more than two weeks. 
&nbsp;

The suspension was ordered by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority for violating media regulations showing live coverage of a security operation

Pakistani authorities ordered private television channels to go off air on Saturday during a police and paramilitary crackdown on Islamist protesters in the capital. The suspension was ordered by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority for violating media regulations showing live coverage of a security operation, a statement from the regulator said. State-run Pakistan Television continued to broadcast, but aired a talk show discussing politics. Pakistani police used tear gas and watercannon and fought running battles with stone-throwing Islamist activists, as they moved to clear a protest by the religious hard-liners who have blocked main routes into Islamabad for more than two weeks.

Pakistan orders TV channels to go off air during crackdown on Islamist protest

Pakistani authorities raided a youth convention called by the&nbsp;opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) as the government banned all public gatherings in the capital Islamabad for two months.&nbsp;

The police charged the activists with batons and arrested 40 party supporters, who were planning a major anti-government protest.&nbsp;

Infuriated by the police action, party chief Imran Khan vowed protests against the crackdown across the country, challenging the government to arrest him.

&quot;Tomorrow I will protest throughout Pakistan, our workers will protest throughout Pakistan, especially over the way women were mishandled,&quot; Khan told reporters. &quot;If (the) government wants to arrest me, they may go ahead, but for how long they can keep us inside, we will again hit roads after our release,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp;

The party, due to hold a protest on November 2, is demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif step down over recent corruption allegations.&nbsp;

&quot;The government has proved that there is no democracy in Pakistan, it is a monarchy,&quot; PTI lawmaker Asad Umar told reporters from the scene. Nazish Altaf, a PTI youth leader, added: &quot;We will not be deterred by arrests and more people will join us on November 2.&quot;

The planned protest comes at a sensitive time for Sharif, with Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court due to start hearing a case into the Panama Papers revelations about Sharif&#39;s family involvement on November 1. Sharif is under growing pressure from opposition parties over his children&#39;s offshore bank accounts that were revealed in the Panama Papers leak.&nbsp;

With a confrontation now appearing inevitable in the days to come, heavy police presence is expected in the capital to deter gatherings.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Undeterred by the arrests, the opposition leader Imran Khan vowed to hold Nov 2 protests demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's ouster

Pakistani authorities raided a youth convention called by the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf (PTI) as the government banned all public gatherings in the capital Islamabad for two months. The police charged the activists with batons and arrested 40 party supporters, who were planning a major anti-government protest. Infuriated by the police action, party chief Imran Khan vowed protests against the crackdown across the country, challenging the government to arrest him. "Tomorrow I will protest throughout Pakistan, our workers will protest throughout Pakistan, especially over the way women were mishandled," Khan told reporters. "If (the) government wants to arrest me, they may go ahead, but for how long they can keep us inside, we will again hit roads after our release," he asserted. The party, due to hold a protest on November 2, is demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif step down over recent corruption allegations. "The government has proved that there is no democracy in Pakistan, it is a monarchy," PTI lawmaker Asad Umar told reporters from the scene. Nazish Altaf, a PTI youth leader, added: "We will not be deterred by arrests and more people will join us on November 2." The planned protest comes at a sensitive time for Sharif, with Pakistan's Supreme Court due to start hearing a case into the Panama Papers revelations about Sharif's family involvement on November 1. Sharif is under growing pressure from opposition parties over his children's offshore bank accounts that were revealed in the Panama Papers leak. With a confrontation now appearing inevitable in the days to come, heavy police presence is expected in the capital to deter gatherings. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Pakistan police arrest opposition activists after protest ban in capital

A day after Altaf Hussain, chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) referred to Pakistan as &quot;cancer for the entire world&quot;, he apologised to Army chief General Raheel Sharif and Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akber for his vitriolic comments. 
 
Parts of Hussain&#39;s speech that went viral on&nbsp;social media showed that he raised anti-Pakistan slogans while&nbsp;addressing the workers of MQM, a secular movement in Pakistan and a dominant political force in the capital Karachi, protesting outside the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday.

MQM spokesperson, Wasay Jalil, shared the apology statement by Hussain on Twitter. He also said the chief was under mental stress over the forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings of his party workers and that he uttered the words in anger.

&quot;From the depth of heart, I beg pardon for my remarks against Pakistan, the establishment, including General Raheel Sharif and DG Rangers,&quot; daily newspaper, Dawn, quoted Hussain as saying.

&quot;Being a Pakistani, I assure the Pakistani people, establishment, army, ISI, all higher authorities and leaders that I will never use such words again,&quot; said Hussain. 
 
Earlier on Monday, hundreds of MQM workers attacked the offices of different TV channels in Pakistan after Hussain asked them to protest against the censorship of his speeches in the media, leaving one person dead and over half-a-dozen injured. 
 
The party headquarters, &#39;Nine Zero&#39;, was sealed and its official website was taken down. At least nine of the party&#39;s senior party leaders, including Dr Farooq Sattar, the party&#39;s most senior parliamentarian were taken into custody.

He also urged authorities to &quot;end all steps taken against MQM&quot;. 
 
&quot;For God&#39;s sake, don&#39;t cut MQM from the national mainstream,&quot; he added.

Later, Hussain also requested the authorities to release the arrested leaders.

MQM has been dominating Karachi&#39;s political landscape for decades even as its leader Hussain lives in self-exile in north London. He is known for making fiery speeches to his supporters in Karachi from his London home.&nbsp; 
 
The party has long accused the Sindhi rangers of carrying out extra-judicial killings of its members since a crackdown&nbsp;in Karachi in 2013.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The party chief, Altaf Hussain, had earlier called Pakistan 'a cancer for the entire world' and raised anti-Pakistan slogans

A day after Altaf Hussain, chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) referred to Pakistan as "cancer for the entire world", he apologised to Army chief General Raheel Sharif and Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akber for his vitriolic comments. Parts of Hussain's speech that went viral on social media showed that he raised anti-Pakistan slogans while addressing the workers of MQM, a secular movement in Pakistan and a dominant political force in the capital Karachi, protesting outside the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday. MQM spokesperson, Wasay Jalil, shared the apology statement by Hussain on Twitter. He also said the chief was under mental stress over the forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings of his party workers and that he uttered the words in anger. "From the depth of heart, I beg pardon for my remarks against Pakistan, the establishment, including General Raheel Sharif and DG Rangers," daily newspaper, Dawn, quoted Hussain as saying. "Being a Pakistani, I assure the Pakistani people, establishment, army, ISI, all higher authorities and leaders that I will never use such words again," said Hussain. Earlier on Monday, hundreds of MQM workers attacked the offices of different TV channels in Pakistan after Hussain asked them to protest against the censorship of his speeches in the media, leaving one person dead and over half-a-dozen injured. The party headquarters, 'Nine Zero', was sealed and its official website was taken down. At least nine of the party's senior party leaders, including Dr Farooq Sattar, the party's most senior parliamentarian were taken into custody. He also urged authorities to "end all steps taken against MQM". "For God's sake, don't cut MQM from the national mainstream," he added. Later, Hussain also requested the authorities to release the arrested leaders. MQM has been dominating Karachi's political landscape for decades even as its leader Hussain lives in self-exile in north London. He is known for making fiery speeches to his supporters in Karachi from his London home. The party has long accused the Sindhi rangers of carrying out extra-judicial killings of its members since a crackdown in Karachi in 2013. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan party MQM chief apologises after anti-Pak remarks incite violence