Pakistan government caves in to protestor's demands
Updated
Pakistan's Opposition-led protests appear to have been successful as reports from Islamabad say the government may reinstate Iftikhar Chaudhry as chief justice.
Pakistan's opposition party leader, Nawaz Sharif, has defied a government ban on political gatherings and led tens of thousands of his supporters through the streets of Lahore. There were violent clashes as demonstrators battled with police near the High Court. Mr Sharif is now trying to lead what's dubbed The Long March, to the capital Islamabad calling for his followers to prepare for a revolution.
Presenter: Sally Sara
Speakers: Nawaz Sharif, Pakistani Opposition Party Leader
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SALLY SARA: After months of preparation, the long wait turned into the long march.
It began with only a few hundred supporters of Opposition party leader Nawaz Sharif.
They rallied outside his compound and eventually forced police to move a truck which was blocking their path.
After that, there was no turning back.
Nawaz Sharif encouraged his followers to take on the Government, demanding the reinstatement of sacked judges and the lifting of a ban on Mr Sharif and his brother from holding office.
(Nawaz Sharif speaking)
SALLY SARA: As the marchers moved closer to the city, their numbers swelled.
Police parked several buses in their way at an intersection but the bus windows were smashed and the crowd surged forward.
People openly defied a government ban on political gatherings.
Sharif supporter, Kashif Elahi says people want change.
KASHIF ELAHI: Our current President is the least popular person ever. I think he has beaten all records.
SALLY SARA: When the marchers reached the city centre, the trouble began.
Riot police fired tear gas as protesters hurled rocks and bricks near the High Court.
(Sound of rioting)
SALLY SARA: Tyres burned in the streets and barricades were torn down as demonstrators fought for control of the area.
But late in the afternoon, the police declared an unexpected ceasefire. They put down their canes and helmets and started shaking hands with the protesters.
Many of the police are also supporters of Nawaz Sharif and they say they don't want to stand in the way of the 'long march'.
POLICEMAN: My life is Nawaz Sharif. My life is Pakistan. My life for justice. We want to reform the Pakistan with the help of public.
SALLY SARA: There was dancing and hugging as the protesters and the police called an end to the riot.
Crowds lined the streets as truckloads of police waved to the smiling crowds.
It's a worrying sign for the Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.
Nawaz Sharif has shown he can rally large crowds and in Lahore, some police have no intention of stopping them.
