Pakistan braces for anti-Islam film protests as US general postpones visit

Pakistan braces for anti-Islam film protests later on Friday as the U.S. army chief, General Martin Dempsey, has postponed his planned visit to Pakistan over protests against the movie. General Dempsey was scheduled to meet his Pakistani counterpart General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani this week, according to local media reports. The visit of the U.S. army chief was postponed at a time when rallies are planned across Pakistan including the capital Islamabad after Friday prayers against the anti-Islam film. Last week, over 20 people died in clashes with riot police in several major cities when the government ha observed "Day of Love for the Prophet". Thousands attacked cinema houses, police posts, police mobile vans, banks, vehicles and shops in some cities. The government had blamed Taliban elements and members of the banned groups for violence. Authorities in Islamabad placed containers to block roads to the high security 'Red Zone' which also include diplomatic enclave. The U.S. embassy is located in the diplomatic enclave and the anti- movie marchers clashed with the police last week when they tried to move towards the U.S. diplomatic mission. Lawyers have announced a procession in Islamabad. The Islamabad administration has announced a temporarily ban on processions in the capital city. The Interior Ministry has also said that no unauthorized person will be allowed to enter the Red Zone. The ministry says that pillion riding will also be checked in the capital. Also in other major cities, roads towards the U.S. diplomatic missions have been closed over security concerns. Several groups have planned demonstrations after Friday prayers against the movie, made in the U.S. and has sparked protests across the world. The authorities have warned the protesters will be charged in anti-terrorism courts if they tried to take law into their hands.