December 08, 2007	Saturday

ISLAMABAD, Dec 7: Activists of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) observed a protest day on Friday against the rejection of nomination papers of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif.

A press release issued here by the party said that protest rallies had been held all over the country.

A demonstration was organised outside the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Press Club.

The protesters clashed with police when their procession was stopped from heading towards Muree Road. However, a large of number of protesters reached the road where they staged a sit-in. The road remained blocked for some time.

Some PML (N) candidates for the Punjab assembly led the procession.

Addressing the protesters, PML (N) leaders criticised the government and said elections without the participation of Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif would be a farce.

They said that their struggle would continue till the acceptance of Sharif brothers’ nomination papers, lifting of emergency, restoration of the Constitution and reinstatement of sacked judges.

They said the government was afraid of the popularity of the Sharif brothers.

Some leaders of Jamaat-i-Islami and Shabab-i-Milli also participated in the demonstration.