Islamabad protests: Pakistan's army says it is ready to help

Pakistan's army says it is "fully ready" to assist the government in dispersing Islamist protesters blocking a highway in Islamabad.

The government asked the military to help restore order after police failed to disperse demonstrations on Saturday.

However, the military's statement appears to criticise the government's handling of the situation, saying police had not been properly utilised.

At least six people are believed to have been killed in the clashes.

About 200 were injured.

The army has asked for further clarification before ordering the deployment of troops.

Image copyright REUTERS A man in Islamabad takes a photo of burnt-out police vehicles
Image caption Many of those injured are security personnel
The demonstrators have been blocking the Faizabad Interchange for several weeks, demanding the sacking of Law Minister Zahid Hamid, whom they accuse of blasphemy.

Their protests have spread to other cities, including Lahore and the southern port of Karachi.

On Saturday, the government suspended private news channels and blocked certain social networks - including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - out of concern that live coverage of the police action could inflame religious sentiments.

Local media said they remained blocked on Sunday.