Unfazed by the deployment of the army, Pakistan opposition leader Imran Khan and cleric Tahirul Qadri tonight marched with thousands of their supporters towards the heavily fortified 'Red Zone', the capital's diplomatic and political enclave, raising fears of clashes with the security forces.
Khan and Canada-based firebrand cleric Tahirul Qadri have been protesting for the last six days demanding Prime Minister Sharif's resignation, putting the PML-N-led government on the backfoot.
"Promise me, if something were to happen to me, you will take revenge from Nawaz Sharif," Khan said while addressing his supporters before starting his march towards the Red Zone that houses important government buildings including the Parliament House, Prime Minister House, President House, the Supreme Court besides embassies of various countries.
"I'm coming! I'm coming to hold you accountable!" Khan said, as his vehicle progressed towards the Red Zone.
Anti-government protesters, walking in separate groups headed by Khan and Qadri, were armed with wire cutters and cranes accompanied them to remove containers as they marched on Pakistan's Parliament.
Prime Minister Sharif has said he will not resign under any circumstance, Dawn News reported quoting sources.
As the protesters marched towards the Parliament, Sharif was present inside the official residence in the 'Red Zone' along with senior leaders of his ruling PML-N party. He is personally keeping a tab on the developing situation.
Qadri was headed towards the Red Zone in his bullet-proof car while Khan mounted on a truck with his party leaders.
The two had announced to lead the marches separately but took same route and were marching close to each other.
Army contingents had taken positions in the Red Zone with the 111 Brigade -- often been used to secure Islamabad as well as used in military takeovers -- deployed in the area. Drones also covered the march as it advanced.
