The violence and spreading protests present a grave challenge to the country’s governing party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. Using water cannons, canisters of tear gas and slings, they managed to wrest back control of a large area. PhotoAs the protesters held their ground, Mr. Rizvi grew bolder and urged his supporters to bring the whole country to a standstill. He remains popular, however, and his party has ruled out calling for early elections, a demand by opposition political parties. Mr. Khattak said the protesters belonged to the Barelvi sect of Sunni Muslims, who had formed the bulk of Mr. Sharif’s support.

Source: New York Times November 25, 2017 12:37 UTC