In Pakistan, at least six people were killed and over 200 injured last evening, when security personnel launched a crackdown on protesters belonging to hardline religious groups. <br/><br/>At least 111 of those injured are said to be members of security forces. <br/><br/>The protesters have been blocking the highway connecting the capital Islamabad with Rawalpindi since the 8th of this month, demanding the resignation of Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid over a perceived softening of the state's position on blasphemy. <br/><br/>Protests have also been reported from several other cities including Karachi and Lahore. Army has been called in to restore the law and order situation. <br/><br/>The Islamabad High Court has issued contempt of court notice against Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal for failing to implement its orders to clear the roads.