DHAKA: At least four people have been killed in Pakistan’s Punjab province, in clashes between police and supporters of a leading anti-government cleric.

Many have been wounded in the violence, which occurred after police blocked roads to the provincial capital Lahore.

The cleric, Tahirul Qadri, is due to hold a large demonstration in the city on Sunday.

Qadri, who until recently was based in Canada, returned to Pakistan in June and runs a network of mosques.

He leads the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) party and has condemned the government of prime minister Nawaz Sharif as corrupt.

Qadri says he plans to lead a peaceful revolt against Sharif.

His supporters briefly abducted six police officers in the latest violence, which began Friday in Punjab and continued into Saturday morning, reports the BBC.

At least eight people were killed when police in Lahore used live ammunition against his followers last month.

Correspondents say there is widespread suspicion in Pakistan that Qadri’s return was encouraged by Pakistan’s powerful military, following recent tensions with the prime minister.

BDST: 1902 HRS, AUG 09, 2014