Anti-government protesters stormed Pakistan's state television building, forcing the channel briefly off the air as they clashed with police and pushed closer to the prime minister's residence.
The violence comes as part of mass demonstrations led by cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri and opposition politician Imran Khan, demanding the resignation of Nawaz Sharif.
Supporters of cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan and Canadian cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri beat a riot policeman during an anti-government protest in IslamabadAFPAnti-government protesters enter the headquarters of the state-owned Pakistani Television in IslamabadAFPSupporters of Tahir-ul-Qadri help an injured protester during the Revolution March in IslamabadReutersAn injured protester flashes a victory sign during an anti-government march near the prime minister's residence in IslamabadAFP
Over the weekend, clashes between protesters and security forces killed three people and wounded hundreds in running street battles in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
Khan and ul-Qadri allege widespread fraud in the country's May 2013 election, which Sharif's party won by a landslide. International observers had found no evidence indicating rampant election tampering.
Supporters of Tahir-ul-Qadri, Sufi cleric and leader of political party Pakistan Awami Tehreek, listen to him praying outside the parliament house during the Revolution March in Islamabad on August 30, 2014ReutersSupporters of Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan listen to party songs at an anti-government march near the prime minister's residence on August 31, 2014AFPPakistani opposition protesters march towards the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on August 30, 2014AFPPakistani opposition protesters shout anti-government slogans as they try to move toward the prime minister's residence in Islamabad on August 30, 2014AFPA riot police officer looks on as supporters of Tahir-ul-Qadri march towards the Prime Minister's residence on August 30, 2014ReutersA Pakistani soldier takes position at the prime minister's residence after police clashed with opposition party protesters on August 30, 2014AFPA protester holds a police shield he stands amid tear gas smoke during clashes with riot police on August 30, 2014ReutersA supporter of Canadian cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri uses a slingshot to lob a stone towards riot police on August 31, 2014AFPA Pakistani riot policeman fires a tear gas shell toward protesters near the prime minister's residence on August 31, 2014AFPPakistani paramedics care for an injured policeman at a hospital after clashes with protesters in Islamabad on August 31, 2014AFPSupporters of Tahir-ul-Qadri look at empty tear gas canisters and rubber bullet casings after clashes with riot police, on August 31, 2014AFP
