Pakistani cleric, PPP government strike deal to end protests

Islamabad: Pakistani officials on Thursday said the government and a Muslim cleric had struck a deal to end four days of protests by thousands in the capital. The agreement with Tahir-ul-Qadri was reached late on Thursday evening.

Qadri demanded the government be dissolved and replaced by an independent caretaker government. He also wants electoral reform to weed out corrupt politicians.

A negotiation team member said the government agreed to dissolve the National Assembly a few days before its term ends in March, giving 90 days until elections are held. That gives time to make sure politicians are eligible to stand for election.

A negotiation team member said the government agreed to dissolve the National Assembly a few days before its term ends.

An official in the prime minister's office says the premier has signed the agreement. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media.

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