Islamist groups organise strike in Pakistan

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Pakistan’s main cities as part of a general strike organised by Islamist groups.

They are attempting to put pressure on the ruling party as it struggles to stop its main coalition partner from leaving the government.

The Islamist groups called the strike in support of a blasphemy law that they believe is under threat of being repealed.

The protests have gone ahead, even though the prime minister insisted that the government does not intend to abolish or change the law.

Critics of the legislation claim it is being used to persecute religious minorities. Debate came to a head after a Christian woman was sentenced to death in November on charges of insulting Islam.

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