Thousands of supporters of the banned Tehreek-e-Labiak Pakistan party have clashed with police for a second day as they march from Lahore to Islamabad, demanding the release of their leader, Saad Rizvi. The protests turned violent on Friday, leaving two police officers and two demonstrators dead.
Party spokesman Sajid Saifi said supporters spent the night near the Ravi River Bridge and resumed their march early Saturday despite heavy teargas. They removed barricades and exited Lahore but again faced security forces near Kala Shah Kako. Saifi reported many injuries from teargas canisters.
Witnesses said the marchers were on foot, with some vehicles accompanying them to transport the injured and supplies. The party, which gained prominence in the 2018 elections on a platform of defending Pakistan's blasphemy law, has a history of violent protests to pressure the government.
