New Delhi: Even before former Pakistan prime minister, Nawaz Sharif reached Pakistan, his supporters went on a rampage in Islamabad.
At least five people were wounded in an exchange of fire between the police and Nawaz's supporters on Monday, witnesses were quoted by news agencies as saying.
The injured included three protestors and two policemen.
The firing occurred after Nawaz's supporters tried to push their way across a bridge over the Indus River, trying to reach Islamabad, where Nawaz landed after seven years in exile. The bridge — along with many roads — had been blocked by the police.
The police had sealed off a five km radius around the airport. Road blocks were erected and prohibitory orders promulgated to prevent PML(N) supporters from gathering near the airport.
A contingent of security forces including Rangers and the Elite Force commandos were deputed and armoured vehicles were patrolling the area, even as thousands of supporters converged in Islamabad to welcome Nawaz.
The media too was not being allowed inside the Islamabad International Airport premises.
Many political leaders, known to be close to Nawaz Sharif, have been placed under house arrest, including MMA President Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Liaqat Baloch and PML-N president Makhdoom Javed Hashmi.
A rally of PML(N) workers that had begun in Islamabad was stopped by the police. In many instances, tear gas had to be used to quell the agitated mob.
Before his plans went awry — Nawaz has been deported to Jeddah — the former prime minister had plans to lead a procession from Islamabad to Lahore, the capital of the Punjab province, where he was expected to draw huge crowds.
Almost 8000 PML(N) workers have been arrested in and around Islamabad.
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