Pakistan Protests:15 killed,dozens injured,property destroyed.

Death toll from nationwide anti-Islam film protests rises to 14, dozens injured

Angry and violent protests plunged Pakistan into chaos on Friday as at least 14 people were killed and scores others were injured in addition to widespread damage to private and public property in nationwide protests against a blasphemous, anti-Islam film. Fuming protestors fought pitched battles with police and law enforcing agencies in Peshawar, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and several other cities of Pakistan. Most of the protests were violent despite repeated calls to hold peaceful rallies by the government, political leaders and religious scholars. KARACHI At least 10 people, including two policemen, were killed and over three dozens wounded as violent protests erupted in Karachi after Friday prayers against a US film mocking the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Angry crowd set ablaze three cinemas, two bank branches, four police mobiles, eight vehicles and a fast food restaurant in the city. Three police mobiles, which were stationed outside Chief Minister House in Red Zone were torched. In addition, protests were witnessed in Baloch Colony, Sohrab Goth, Sultanabad and other areas of the metropolis. A loud explosion was heard near Native Jetty bridge. The stone-pelting agitators smashed window panes of several vehicles and blocked Shara-e-Faisal for traffic by setting tires on fire. Police and protesters continued to clash in many areas, resulting in 10 casualties. PESHAWAR According to reports, four people, including a worker of a private TV channel, were killed and 60 others wounded in Peshawar in clashes and incidents of firing in the city. Two policemen and four protesters were also reported killed in Karachi taking the total death toll in violent protests to 14. Angry protesters in Peshawar burnt three cinema houses while four cinemas were also torched in the country’s financial hub Karachi. ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI In Islamabad, police resorted to aerial firing and shelling to prevent the protesters from entering Red Zone. Two helicopters kept hovering over the Red Zone as part of special security measures. PTI Chairman Imran Khan also led a rally of supporters in Islamabad against the sacrilegious film produced in the US mocking the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Khan appealed to demonstrators to hold peaceful protests and avoid damaging public and private property. Violence was witnessed on Faizabad, where police and protesters clashed throughout the day, leaving many people injured. Five vehicles, including three polic mobiles, were torched in Rawalpindi. ELSEWHERE Violent protests are also reported from elsewhere in the country including Rawalpindi and Faisalabad despite call for peaceful demonstrations by the government and religious scholars. Police fired rubber bullets on protestors at Faizabad Bridge. Several policemen and protesters were injured in the clash. These protests came on Yaum-e-Ishq-Rasool (S.A.W.W.) which is being observed countrywide today on call by the federal government. Elsewhere in the country, the devotees of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) are out on roads in every city to partake in rallies and processions to register love for their beloved Prophet (PBHU). Nawabshah is witnessing complete shutter-down strike with citizens on the roads en messe to observe Yaum-e-Ishq-Rasool (S.A.W.W.). Rallies were also taken out in different areas of Khairpur and Dadu. The business activities are closed in Muzaffarabad with processions being taken out in different areas of the city. In Sargodha also, complete shutter-down strike is in progress and participants of different rallies gathered at Shaheen Chowk and set tires on fire. The devotees of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are also registering their protest in Jhang against the anti-Islam movie. Earlier today, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said the blasphemy against the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is unacceptable under any circumstances. "The anti-Islam movie has harmed the sentiments of all Muslims including me," he asserted, adding the issue does not pertain to the freedom of expression as it was intended to provoke the feelings of Muslims. It is quite natural for Muslims to be roused in rage over disrespect to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), adding the malice-mongering elements targeted the most-respected personality of the world. But he urged Muslims to keep their protests peaceful as harming someone or damaging someone's property who has nothing to do with the film is not in accordance with the teachings of Islam. He also reminded people that attacking foreign consulates is also not permitted according to Islamic teachings. Different political and religious parties also held rallies today. The main procession was organised by Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan and Jamat-e-Ahle-Sunnat at Numaish Chowrangi. The rally under the aegis of Ahle Sunnat Wal-Jamaat was held at Lasbela Chowrangi. Other parties including the MQM, Tehreek-e-Insaf also took out rallies side by side with the traders organizations across the country.