The situation continues to be tense and uncertain in Pakistan as the stand off between anti-government protesters demanding prime minister Nawaz Sharief's resignation continues. Cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri, who along with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Imran Khan is leading massive protests against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, made it clear this evening that he had no plans to call off the protests.

Addressing his supporters, Mr Qadri said he will continue the campaign to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Sharif.

Earlier this evening, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, President Javed Hashmi has stated that if democracy derails in the country, Imran Khan will be responsible.

Hashmi said Imran Khan’s decision to move forward to the Prime Minister's House was against that of the party. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad today, Hashmi said he was told by Imran Khan that he could leave if he had a difference. He said that there was no democracy in the party.

Meanwhile, Pakistani army chaired by its chief General Raheel Sharif held an urgent meeting this evening to discuss the political crisis that has engulfed the country. The army corps commanders met in Rawalpindi to take stock of the situation created by the 18-day siege of the heart of the Pakistani establishment.

The Pakistan government on its part, said it was trying to re-open talks with opposition groups. Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said the government remained open to negotiations to end the crisis peacefully.