Pakistan bans meeting in Lahore

The Pakistani government has withdrawn permission for a hardline Islamic organisation to hold a public rally in Lahore on Saturday.

Jammat ud Dawa champions militancy in Indian-administered Kashmir.

It was formally called Lashkar-e-Toiba, a group that was banned after being declared a terrorist organisation by the United States.

Party chief, Hafiz Saeed, said the government was trying to appease the US by banning the Independence Day rally.

Small meetings

A spokesman said relatives of 2,500 people killed in the insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir had been special invitees.

Delegates from various national parties were also expected.

Mr Saeed said he would not confront the government and small public meetings would be held instead.