Protests in Pakistan halt development activities

The twin sit-ins in Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad have hampered the development activities which were scheduled to be launched in September, media reports said Friday.

The protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Tahir-ul-Qadri began Aug 15 in an attempt to overthrow Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who they accused of rigging the 2013 general elections, Dawn online reported.

According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the auction of commercial and residential plots has been delayed.

The auctions are usually held at the Convention Centre, but currently roads leading to the venue are blocked.

Though the new dates for the auction have been set for Sep 24 and 25, officers in the CDA were sceptical over the ending of the political crisis soon.

The event can take place only after the crisis is completely over and the participants of both the 'Azadi' and the 'Inqlab' marches leave Islamabad, Dawn online said.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Imran Khan said that he would be celebrating completion of a month of anti-government protests Saturday.

Speaking to protestors at a sit-in here, Imean Khan vowed to bring more evidence against the government and put up a grand show to express national solidarity.

He has also vowed to name the killers of two politicians gunned down in June this year.