An estimated 25,000 protesters gathered in Islamabad’s twin city Rawalpindi in the afternoon to offer prayers, before turning toward the heavily-barricaded capital which was patrolled by hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers.
Riot police carrying batons and shields fired tear gas to try to prevent them pushing closer to the city centre.
Director General of Inter Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa, in his tweet on Sunday, stated that Pakistan Army has been requisitioned by the federal government to control the law and order situation and secure the Red Zone.
2100 Hours Update Law and Order Isd:Army has been requisitioned by the Govt to control situation and secure Red Zone
— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) March 27, 2016
Update-2/Law and Order Isd:Army troops arrive Red Zone — Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) March 27, 2016
Mobs also attacked Karachi Press Club and tried to set alight a vehicle of a private news channel. The Islamabad Press Club also came under attack during the violence
A group of angry men at a Pakistani airport assaulted cleric Junaid Jamshed as he was leaving Islamabad airport on Saturday night when he was set upon by a group of around six men who were waiting to attack him at the exit.
The incident was captured on mobile phone video and has ben widely viewed.
The men, some wearing Western clothes and others in traditional shalwar kameez, were seen throwing punches at the 51-year-old, who in addition to his preaching work runs a chain of high-end clothing boutiques.
