Long march participants, police clash in Islamabad
The crowds had prevented government forces from arresting Tahirul Qadri.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces fired in the air and used tear gas in the capital Islamabad on Tuesday to try and control protests led by Tahirul Qadri.
Live television coverage showed forces firing in the air - a serious escalation in attempts to control crowds - while supporters of Dr Tahirul Qadri hurled stones at them.
Qadri s spokesman told Reuters the crowds had prevented government forces from arresting the cleric. He said six supporters of the cleric were wounded.
Qadri s calls for sweeping reforms have weakened the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party, which has failed to tackle a staggering array of problems - from a Taliban insurgency to crippling power cuts to widespread poverty.
