Violent protests flare in Pakistan

Police in Islamabad fired warning shots and tear gas at protesters today as street protests intensified.

Police in Islamabad fired warning shots and tear gas at protesters today as street protests intensified.

Senior police official Bin Yamin says the protests started yesterday when students and residents blocked a key road in the Bara Kahu neighbourhood, protesting against an increase in public transportation fares in the Pakistani capital.

A police official said the demonstrations escalated and rock-throwing protesters have blocked a main road to Islamabad’s airport.

The violence prompted the government to rescind the fare increase last night, but the protests are continuing with students demanding the release of protesters arrested the day before.

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One student was hit by a bullet yesterday.

AP