Pakistanis hold sit-in protest in Islamabad to demand cutting ties with France over anti-Islamic cartoons

Thousands of Pakistani Muslims rallied on the outskirts of Islamabad on Monday to demand the Pakistani government cut diplomatic ties with France over the republishing of Islamophobic Charlie Hebdo caricatures that insult Prophet Muhammad and Islamic values. A sit-in Monday by supporters of Tehreek-e-Labiak Pakistan at an important intersection connecting the garrison city of Rawalpindi with the capital Islamabad started spontaneously. It followed the protest Sunday night organized by TLP chief Khadim Husain Rizvi. Protesters demanded the government recall Pakistan's ambassador from France and expel the French ambassador in Islamabad. The insulting caricatures published in the Islamophobic Charlie Hebdo -- a French daily -- have drawn reactions from millions of Muslims across the world, and have sparked worldwide protests in Asia and the Middle East, with calls for the boycott of French products. Associated Press reporters at the scene saw protesters clash with security forces on the road leading to the Faizabad intersection. The rally attracted some 5,000 people and police lobbed tear gas canisters. Several protesters and security people were injured. Authorities suspended cellular service in the area and blocked roads leading to the intersection Shipping containers were brought in to block the main Islamabad Highway and surrounding roads to keep protesters from entering the capital. The TLP has a history of staging protests and sit-ins to press their demands. In November 2017 they staged a 21-day protest and sit-in after a reference to the sanctity of the Prophet was removed from a government form.