Security Beefed Up In Major Cities Amid Anti-Islam Film Protests In Pakistan

Islamabad, Sept 29, IRNA -- The federal government of Pakistan has decided to step up security measures in all major cities in the wake of last week's violent protests held across the country against anti-Islam film, local media reported on Friday. The Islamabad police placed barricades and containers on the ways leading to the diplomatic enclave. Strict security measures were also in place in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. Heavy contingents of Rangers and Police were deployed on the ways leading to US consulates. Last Friday, tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets across the country after the government called an impromptu public holiday to mark ‘Youme Ishq-e-Rasool.’ The protestors have been demanding from government to end its diplomatic ties with the United States and remove the sacrilegious video from YouTube. Meanwhile, the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) has announced a long march through Peshawar on October 1 to honour Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Addressing a press conference, DPC media coordinator Advocate Israrullah said that so far DPC’s component parties were protesting individually. On October 1, all parties on the council will collectively observe a day to honour the Holy Prophet (PBUH). DPC demands an apology from the US President, a policy that outlaws blasphemy internationally, and punishment for those who sponsored the sacrilegious film, said Israrullah. He added that the US ambassador should be expelled from Pakistan till DPC’s demands were met./end