Islamabad: Tens of thousands of radical Islamists today attempted to storm the Supreme Court of Pakistan while protesting against Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa who has been accused of committing blasphemy.
Isa, who was appointed as the Chief Justice of Pakistan in September last year, faces death threats, with a top leader of a radical Islamic outfit recently saying that he would give a reward of Rs one crore (Pakistani) to anyone killing the top judge of the country.
During a protest today in Islamabad, activists from various religious and political parties broke loose and removed barriers.
They reached the Red Zone in Islamabad on Monday while attempting to march towards the Supreme Court.
As the demonstrators advanced, security personnel retreated gradually, allowing the protesters to open the Red Zone gate.
Some protesters were also present on the other side of the gate near Parliament, but the leaders instructed them to halt there only.
The area is close to several important government buildings like the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and foreign embassies.
When the group attempted to proceed towards the apex court, police responded with tear gas shelling.
The shelling and announcements from the authorities led to their dispersal.
The protesters were subsequently stopped.
[…] Pakistan: Radical Islamists attempt to storm the Supreme Court of Pakistan, accusing Chief Justice Qazi Faez I… while hundreds gather in Karachi to demand end to misuse of blasphemy laws and discrimination […]