Muslim cleric brings Islamabad to standstill

Riot police patrolled the city, closing off roads and using containers to shield diplomatic missions.

The emergence of Tahir-ul-Qadri – who lived quietly in Canada until a month ago - has electrified the country's political scene, sparking frantic manoeuvring by a government
fearful his demands could delay elections due in the spring.

He left the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday afternoon with about 10,000 supporters and is scheduled to address a growing crowd in Islamabad on Monday night.

Supporters gathered all day in the city centre, carrying blankets and food, and promising not to leave until their demands were met.

Khalid Qureshi, who had travelled about 50 miles to attend the rally, said he was prepared to stay for weeks if not months.