Pakistani protests turn deadly as prime minister refuses to resign

By Sophia Saifi

Pakistani protesters took to the streets for another day Sunday demanding a solution to a political crisis that has gripped the nation.

At least two people died overnight, according to Dr. Ayesha Isani, a spokeswoman for the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has vowed to stay put despite protests against his government. Police fired tear gas on protesters Saturday after thousands threatened to march on the Prime Minister's house in Islamabad. At least 158 people were hospitalized, including one critically.

Sharif has failed to negotiate a solution with the protesters, and last week asked the military for help brokering an end to the crisis.

"Tear gas is a normal practice undertaken all over the world to disperse a crowd. It is something that is an alternative to using force," Pakistan Defense Minister Khwaja Asif said. "The situation had precipitated to a point that if action had not been taken then it would have been a free fall for the government."

At least 8,000 people have rallied in the city's center after allegations of vote-rigging during last year's election. Negotiations between Sharif's government and his opponents, some of whom are calling for his resignation, have reached an impasse. Sharif has said he will not resign -- a demand he has called "unconstitutional."

Imran Khan -- an enigmatic former cricket star who leads one of Pakistan's largest political parties -- has led the two-week protests. Khan is demanding new elections.

As the protests have grown in size and scope, the army has stationed personnel at government buildings in case protesters try to occupy them.