The unrest in Islamabad following a crackdown against religious protesters camped out at Faizabad has spilled over to other parts of the country, as men loyal to various religious parties have started holding disruptive demonstrations in various cities.

In Sialkot, scores of men also attacked the residence of Law Minister Zahid Hamid, whose resignation is the number one demand of the Faizabad protesters. Fortunately, no one from his family was present when the attackers started pelting stones at the building. Following the attack, the security forces arrested at least 12 suspects from the area and summoned reinforcements.

Separately in Sheikhupura, PML-N lawmaker Javed Latif was attacked and injured by angry protesters when he tried to negotiate with them.

Karachi

Demonstrations had started in the morning after protesters gathered at Numaish Chowrangi, one of the city’s busiest traffic interchanges. Other areas which were affected include Teen Talwar, Boat Basin, Nipa, Sohrab Goth, Shahrah-i-Faisal near Stargate and Nursery, Hub River Road and Hassan Square, where both tracks of the road remained closed for traffic for hours.

At least 23 people including two policemen were reportedly injured, some with gunshot wounds, in skirmishes with police at Stargate and Nursery, where police fired tear gas shells to break up the protests.

Protesters were turned away from Natha Khan Chowk by Sindh Rangers and police after a vehicle belonging to a private company was set on fire. The occupants of the vehicle had escaped safely and the area has reportedly been cleared.

Malir SSP Rao Anwar Ahmed told Dawn that the “miscreants of one organisation” came from Shah Faisal Colony and they allegedly “hijacked” the protest.

“One of the men among the protesters was armed with SMG rifle, who resorted to firing on the policemen, resultantly Memon Goth SHO Gulzar Tunio and constable Sabir sustained bullet wounds,” said the officer.

Reports were also received of enraged protesters burning tyres and forcibly closing businesses in various areas of the metropolis.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the unrest and directed the commissioner and inspector general of police to clear the traffic.

Hyderabad/Sindh

Protesters blocked the busy Haider Chowk area in Hyderabad, while a large number of religious activists staged demonstrations in Sukkur, Umerkot, Mithi, Sujawal and other cities to register their protests.

Various religious organisations also staged a protest demonstration outside the Badin Press Club, demanding a halt in the use of violence against protesters camped out in the capital.

The National Highway near Khairpur also remained blocked for over three hours.