Pakistani cleric threatens march to topple government
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistani cleric threatens march to topple government, 7 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003eaab.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 07, 2014
A Pakistani cleric has threatened to march on the capital and overthrow the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after authorities allegedly detained hundreds of his followers.
Tahir-ul-Qadri said on August 7 that more than 500 of his followers have been arrested by police in a campaign of intimidation.
A statement released by his Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) party cited Qadri as saying: "If the government continues with the arrests of PAT workers or tries to arrest me, we will have no option left to immediately announce a call for the revolution."
Qadri has also called for a demonstration in the eastern city of Lahore on August 10.
Rana Mashhood, law minister for the Punjab province, confirmed that 32 of the cleric's supporters have been arrested after previous denials by the authorities.
In June, clashes between Qadri supporters and police left 14 activists dead.
Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website