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Pakistani Cleric Says No More Talks With Sharif's Government


Tahir-ul-Qadri waves to supporters during an anti-government protest in front of the Parliament in Islamabad on August 27, 2014.
Tahir-ul-Qadri waves to supporters during an anti-government protest in front of the Parliament in Islamabad on August 27, 2014.

A Pakistani cleric who is leading mass protests demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation says he has "shut the door" on further negotiations with the government.

Tahir-ul-Qadri spoke to supporters outside parliament late on August 27 after a round of talks seeking a peaceful solution to a crisis that has raised fears of political instability in Pakistan.

He said the talks had "completely failed."

Qadri and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan have been leading separate rallies in Islamabad since August 15. Crowds total in the tens of thousands.

Sharif said on August 27 that he would not resign. But he cancelled a planned to trip to Turkey on August 28 to deal with the crisis.

Qadri is expected to address his supporters later on August 28, which he has said will be "Revolution Day."

Based on reporting by AP, dawn.com, and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal
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