Nawaz returns to Islamabad as calls for resignation continue

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 31 (UPI) —

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to his home in Islamabad on Sunday after fleeing to Lahore under pressure from protesters calling for his resignation.




Clashes between police and protesters at the prime minister’s house continued overnight Saturday and into Sunday, bringing the death toll of protesters up to at least 13. About 450 people have been injured since the clashes began Saturday, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polytechnic Hospital said.




Anti-government protesters led by politicians Imran Khan and Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri are demanding Nawaz’s resignation, saying he rigged the general elections in 2013.




Nawaz returned to his house Sunday afternoon amid in-fighting within the political party leading the call for resignation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.




Imram, chairman of the PTI, was accused by the group’s president, Javed Hashmi, of breaking his pledge to the party by going forward with a march on the prime minister’s house. PTI had decided not to march.




"I do not agree with Nawaz’s style of governance but it does not mean that I would trample over the sanctity of Parliament," Javed told Dawn.com.




Imram said despite Javed’s accusations, he planned to march again Sunday night.




"I am upset that Hashmi accused me…from today out paths are separate," Imram said.




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