Protesters in Islamabad will not give up until they get support

Protesters in Islamabad will not give up until they get support for the demands

Protesters in Islamabad will not give up until they get support for the demands of the religious leader Tahir-ul-Qadri. The government refuses to be rushed.

Pakistani police fired in the air and used tear gas against protesters when they arrived in Islamabad Monday after marching for 30 hours from Lahore.

Qadri has brought thousands of supporters, which requires a peaceful revolution in the country. Six of them have reportedly been injured in clashes with police.

The religious leader, who recently came back from Canada, believes that our choices have to be postponed indefinitely until the country has come to grips with corruption and incompetence.

- We will not accept Qadris pressure because his demands are unconstitutional, said Interior Minister Rehman Malik.

Qadris spokesman, Omar Abbasi, told nyhetsbryået AP that the protesters would stay in Islamabad for several days, and that "surprising claim" to be made.

- I'm from Essa Khel area, and I'm here to participate in the demonstration. We want to change the system in our country. We will here for one month, if necessary, said protester Nazim Khwaja said.

Many of them have stayed in the streets, and protests continued on Tuesday.

- They bring all the necessities. Food and everything they need. They will stay here until they get the change, said another protester who calls himself Hashim.

Protesters have now set up a stage two miles from Parliament, Qadri said behind bulletproof glass. According to Abbasi is his supporters who have prevented authorities from arresting him.

Protesters have now set up a stage two miles from Parliament, Qadri said behind bulletproof glass. According to Abbasi is his supporters who have prevented authorities from arresting him.

Refusal of cooperation with army

Meanwhile, over 20,000 police officers deployed to keep order, officials said.

Qadris protests have divided population. While many support the demands for reform, there are several who suspect him of being in league with the military.

Qadri refuses even to have anything to do with the army, but having said that it can play a useful role in the establishment of a provisional government. The army has denied any involvement with Qadri.

According to AP, it is not expected that the army wants a new deal, but it is not unlikely that they support Qadri to put the spotlight on the government's mistakes and shortcomings.

Tahir-ul Qadri has brought thousands of supporters to Islamabad, where he speaks behind bullet-proof glass.