Deadly clashes in Pakistan’s Lahore

At least four people have been killed and dozens injured in fresh clashes in the Pakistani city of Lahore between police forces and supporters of an anti-government cleric in Pakistan.

The violence, which erupted on Friday, is increasing tensions ahead of a big protest called by cleric Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri in the city on Sunday.

Punjab Police spokeswoman Nabeela Ghazanfar said around 500 Qadri supporters had been arrested, with more than 100 police forces wounded during the clashes.

The cleric, who accuses the government of corruption, has planned the massive march for Sunday to protest June’s clashes between his supporters and the Pakistani police, when 14 people died.

Moreover, another march is expected to be held in the capital city of Islamabad on Thursday. It is called by opposition politician Imran Khan, who accuses the government of failing to investigate alleged election irregularities.

In response to the planned demonstrations, Pakistan’s administration has tightened security in recent days and banned gatherings of more than five people in Islamabad.