Thousands more protesters massed in Pakistan's major cities on Sunday after attempts to disperse a radical party rally in Islamabad ended in deadly violence, with the military hesitant to respond to a government appeal for help.

An estimated 5,000 demonstrators were occupying roads between Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, more than twice the number that were in the streets when police and paramilitaries began a bungled operation to clear them one day earlier.

At least 4,750 were in Karachi, according to traffic officials, up from roughly 200 the day before. In Lahore, an estimated 3,400 were occupying main roads. Reports said the protests had also spread to other cities and towns across the country.

Source: Khaleej Times