Pakistan army accused of fanning siege by Islamists

PAKISTAN’S military yesterday indicated it would refuse to forcefully disperse 2,500 Islamist protesters who have laid siege to the capital.

The move, which followed a plea from the government to intervene, added to suspicion that the army is stage-managing the protest.

On Saturday, 8,500 police fired rubber bullets and tear-gas to clear a camp on a motorway out of the Islamabad. They retreated after hundreds more Islamists, throwing stones and wielding sticks, raced to the area, where clashes killed at least six and injured 200.

In the ensuing stalemate, the military stalled on a government request for help, and recommended a handsoff approach. Yesterday, according to reports, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the prime minister, accepted that advice.

The protest has crippled Islamabad for three weeks and involves members of Tehreek e Labbaik, a political party dedicated to a bloodthirsty defence of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. It is angry at the redrafting of an election oath relating to “the Prophet Mohammed”.

Many analysts suspect the hand of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, who have a history of fanning Islamist rage for political purposes.

“I think there is more than what meets the eye here”, said Ayesha Siddiqa, a defence analyst. “They are trying to take the opportunity to exhaust the government.”