PAKISTAN ON ALERT AFTER CALL FOR PROTEST

ISLAMABAD, - Pakistan on Friday boosted security across the country after Sunni Muslim groups called for protests against last week's sectarian violence in the garrison city of Rawalpindi that killed 11 people. 

Clashes erupted in Rawalpindi, which neighbours the capital Islamabad, a week ago when a procession by Shi’ite Muslims to mark the most important day of the mourning month of Muharram coincided with a sermon at a nearby Sunni mosque.

The groups attacked each other, TV cameramen and security forces, firing gunshots. Schools, shops and restaurants were closed in the city on Friday while roads were deserted in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad. 

The government has deployed thousands of police and paramilitary troops in all major cities to maintain order, with the army on call in case of any violence, a police official in Islamabad told AFP.

Source: News24...More...