Violence erupted in several places in Pakistan yesterday between police and supporters of an anti-government cleric, with at least four people killed and scores injured.

The violence, which began on Friday, is exacerbating tension ahead of a protest rally by activist cleric Tahir ul-Qadri in Lahore today.

Qadri is holding the demonstration to protest against deadly clashes between his supporters and police in June but he also says the government is corrupt and called for the overthrow of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.