Pakistan Troops On Standby Ahead Of Protests

[tekisui]

Source: AP

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The Pakistan army says its troops are on standby ahead of a planned mass demonstration by opposition parties and lawyers in the capital.

The government has vowed to prevent protesters from staging a sit-in in front of Parliament in Islamabad, raising fears of violence.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said Saturday the government asked the military the day before to ready troops.

Abbas said the soldiers could be deployed if police and paramilitary forces cannot control the situation. He said the troops could be used to protect "sensitive areas" in Islamabad and other locations.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkiMxbHNH0BqgpWA2ZG6VD6wVTmAD96TOMI80