Muslim leader calls for cartoon protests across Pakistan

A coalition of radical Islamic parties called for nationwide protests in Pakistan today after police arrested hundreds of religious activists to thwart a weekend rally against Prophet Mohammed cartoons in the eastern city of Lahore.

The alliance of six hard-line Muslim parties called Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), or United Action Forum, declared today “a protest day” after security forces prevented yesterday’s planned rally in Lahore, said alliance politician Liaqat Baluch.