Stand-off continues between Pak govt and protesters

21082014

Pakistan’s Tehreek-i-Insaf Chief Imran Khan says he will not hold talks with the government until Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns. The opposition leader told protesters holding a sit-in outside parliament that the talks will be no use unless Mr. Sharif steps down.

However, Cleric Tahirul Qadri, sent a team to meet officials last night but the talks ended without a resolution. Protesters accuse Mr Sharif of rigging last year’s elections.

Mr Khan has led a week-long campaign in an attempt to bring down the government, which culminated in thousands of protesters breaching the high security zone of Islamabad on Tuesday.

Mr Khan and Mr Qadri, have been summoned to appear before the Supreme Court today to explain the protests.

The government has accused protesters of attempting to derail democracy.

Although both protest movements are calling for Mr Sharif’s resignation, they are not formally allied. The demonstrations have remained peaceful so far.

Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif will address the Pakistan National Assembly today.