LOC13:22
10:22 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (KUNA) -- An ongoing crackdown ordered by federal government on protesters camped out at the Faizabad Interchange bridge blocking citizens from entering Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad turned violent injuring over 130 people including security personnel on Saturday.
A religious political party, Tehrik Labaik Yarasool Allah (TLY) was staging a sit-in for the last 20 days on Faizabad Interchange bridge, demanding the resignation of federal law minister over a controversial bill passed by lower house.
Roughly 8,500 police officers, Frontier Constabulary personnel and other law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown after the last of a long series of deadlines lapsed on Saturday morning.
Law enforcement personnel have encircled the area and are using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse agitators while around 150 protesters were arrested. In response, the protesters have been using stones and rocks to attack the advancing security forces.
The spokesperson for PIMS hospital, Dr. Altaf told KUNA that around 60 police officers and 70 protesters were brought in the hospital.
An emergency has been imposed in all hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad cities.
The unrest in the capital has spilled over in different cities of the country as the supporters of TLY have blocked main roads in Karachi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Barakahu and other areas.
The protesters have allegedly looted two police vehicles and two police vans have been set on fire in Rawalpindi city.
The crackdown by the government came after Islamabad High Court ordered to end the sit-in by any means. (end)
sbk.mb