Imran suspends talks with govt; calls for nationwide protest

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Press Trust of India Islamabad
Last Updated : Aug 21 2014 | 7:10 PM IST
Pakistan's opposition leader Imran Khan today hardened his stand by withdrawing from dialogue with the government and vowed to continue his fight till the end, apparently buoyed by the Supreme Court's washing off its hands of the protests.
Pakiatan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief cleric Tahirul Qadri whose thousands of supporters have combined with Khan's supporters also stayed put in the 'Red Zone' where important government buildings including the Parliament House, Prime Minister House, President House, the Supreme Court besides the embassies are housed.
PAT whose leaders met with government representatives yesterday held no fresh talks today.
Khan relented late last night from his 'no-talks' position until Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns. A team of his party leaders held discussions with the government representatives.
The Pakistan Supreme Court today rejected the government's plea for an order for the eviction of protesters besieging the Parliament, saying it is an administrative matter and should be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Emboldened by the court's stand, Khan upped the ante against the Sharif government, announcing that he would not talk to the government until the Prime Minister resigns.
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First Published: Aug 21 2014 | 7:10 PM IST

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