Pakistani officials agree to discuss expelling French ambassador

Leaders of the far-right Pakistani religious political party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), have canceled a planned rally against French idealism following an agreement with the Pakistani government to sit down and consider their demands.

TLS protesters demonstrating in Islamabad against caricatures of Prophet Muhammad. [Anjum Naveed/AP Photo]

The group has been protesting France's defense of publications caricaturing Islamic Prophet, Muhammad. Protesters argue that the caricatures are disrespectful and in no way an act of freedom of speech, as France claims.

TLP protesters have been staging mass rallies and sit-ins at places such as major highways in Islamabad. They've been calling on the ruling party to act aggressively for what they describe are blasphemous actions by the French.

Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the TLP's religious leader, said the group will postpone future protests now that the government has agreed to seriously discuss their four stipulations.

The first demand is that France's ambassador to Pakistan be expelled "within two or three months." The second demand is that Pakistan "not appoint its ambassador to France.” The third demand is for the government to initiate a nationwide ban on French goods. And finally, the last demand is that arrested protesters be released.

By: Niza Nondo