Pakistan Shuts Capital as Islamists Protest NATO Route Reopening
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Pakistani authorities deployed paramilitary forces in Islamabad and shopkeepers shut early as thousands of supporters of an Islamist group converged on the capital to protest the decision to reopen NATO supply routes.
The rally by about 8,000 members of the Difah-e-Pakistan Council, or Defense of Pakistan Council, a movement of parties with links to the Taliban and other extremist groups, began yesterday in the eastern city of Lahore. Protesters plan to demonstrate in front of parliament later today after completing the 300-kilometer (185-mile) journey, according to the Associated Press.