Mass rally against France and Macron in Islamabad

Thousands of supporters of radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Monday continued to rally on a key road linking capital, Islamabad with garrison city of Rawalpindi in protest of sketches in France depicting Prophet Muhammad, which y deem blasphemous.

protesters are demanding government recall Pakistan's ambassador from France and expel French ambassador in Islamabad, and for all diplomatic relations with France to be cut off after President Emmanuel Macron's remarks over republishing caricatures.

Muhammad Latif, a protester at event, said "We love our prophet, we will give our life for respect and hour of Prophet Muhammad, we will give our life but can't accept French ambassador's presence here."

sit-in, which has continued at an important intersection, started unplanned at end of a protest march from Rawalpindi led by TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi, despite resistance by police on Sunday night.

TLP supporters defied security arrangements of police and administration and clashed with security forces at different points on way to Faizabad intersection.

Tehreek-e-Labaik claimed on Sunday that many of its supporters were injured by police during overnight clashes in Rawalpindi.

government has said it wants protesters to peacefully disperse and authorities are in communication with Rizvi to end sit-in along with or clerics in attendance.

TLP has a history of staging such protests and sit-ins to press ir demands.

rally has also caused inconvenience to commuters as authorities suspended mobile phone services in area and only bus service linking Rawalpindi with Islamabad.

prophet caricatures are deemed offensive by many Muslims and have sparked protests in Asia and Middle East, with calls for a boycott of French products. y were also seen as trigger for several attacks against French nationals and interests in recent weeks.