Thousands of anti-government protesters rally for 2nd day in Pakistan despite police clashes | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Thousands of anti-government protesters rally for 2nd day in Pakistan despite police clashes

Pakistani police officers stand guards on a shipping container placed to block the supporters of Pakistani Sunni Muslim cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri, to enter into high security area Red Zone during an anti government rally in Islamabad, Pakistan Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Thousands of Pakistanis fed up with political leaders they say are corrupt and indifferent rallied in the Pakistani capital Tuesday, as the fiery cleric who organized the rally called for the government to resign and for his followers to remain on the streets until then. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

ISLAMABAD - Thousands of anti-government protesters are rallying in the streets of the Pakistani capital for a second day despite early-morning clashes with police who fired off shots and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Followers of Pakistani cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri clogged the streets of Pakistan's main avenue Tuesday after converging on the city Monday.

Qadri has galvanized Pakistanis who are frustrated with the current government that they say is riddled with corruption and ignores the needs of the common man.

During an early-morning speech, the cleric demanded the government resign and called on his followers to stay until their demands are met.

The rally was largely peaceful until police and protesters clashed hours after Qadri's speech ended.

Each side blamed the other for the incident.

News from © The Associated Press, 2013
The Associated Press

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