Protests hampering Pakistan's progress: Nawaz Sharif

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Saturday said the sit-in and protests hindered the progress of the country and he accepted the legitimate demands of the protesters, Geo News reported.

In an interview, Sharif said the people's mandate cannot be sabotaged by a few thousand people and expressed surprise over Pakistan Awami Tehreek leader Tahir-ul Qadri's stand as most of his demands had been accepted by the government.

The prime minister said the National Assembly has already approved a resolution to protect democracy and will not let any anti-democracy scheme flourish.

Due to the current political uncertainties, the country's development was jeopardised, he said, adding that the facts will be unveiled before the nation soon.

The presidents of Maldives and Sri Lanka have cancelled their visits while the Chinese president is due to arrive to inaugurate power projects, the report added.