Pakistan protests remain mostly peaceful in 2nd day
Protests by Islamist activists continued for a second day across Pakistan on Sunday, but most were peaceful and security forces kept a distance from the crowds, averting a repeat of the unrest that gripped cities and towns Saturday after police stormed a protest camp blocking a highway to the capital.
The army, wh i ch was called out by civilian officials Saturday night to keep order in the capital region as the demonstrations cascaded, reportedly agreed to guard government buildings in the capital but put off any further action. Army leaders formally asked the govern- ment to “clarify” the role of troops in the event of further civilian unrest, apparently concerned about los- ing public support.
Late Sunday, Pakistani media reported that top civilian and military officials had met and agreed to seek a negotiated solu- tion to the crisis.
The chaos erupted after millions of Pakistanis spon- taneously took to the streets Saturday to defend what they believed was an insult to the prophet Muhammad by the government.
Clashes between demon- strators and security forces in Islamabad and other loca- tions led to several hundred injuries, and at least six civilians were killed.
The main protest leader, cleric Allama Khadim Hus- sain Rizvi, told journalists Sunday evening that the group would negotiate only if the government removes the federal law minister, Zahid Hamid. Protesters believe Hamid was behind plans to change a law requiring all political candidates to swear that Muhammad was the final prophet in Islam.
Some protesters called Saturday for Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and his entire cabinet to resign, but that demand seemed to have been downgraded Sunday as Rizvi and other religious leaders reiterated only their original demand for Hamid to step down or for the government to name and punish any other officials involved in the proposed law change.
On Saturday, Hamid’s home was ransacked by protesters. There was no indication that he intended to resign or would be removed.