DHAKA: Pakistan’s embattled prime minister said Wednesday he would not cave in to protests demanding his resignation, striking a defiant note in his first major speech since the crisis erupted two weeks ago.

Nawaz Sharif told parliament his government would not be thrown off course by the demonstrations led by former cricketer Imran Khan and populist cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Thousands of Khan and Qadri followers have been camped outside parliament since Aug 15 demanding Sharif quit, claiming the election which swept him to power last year was rigged.

The crisis has rattled Sharif’s government 15 months into a five-year term and prompted rumours the army may intervene to resolve matters - and in doing so effectively put the elected government under its thumb.

BDST: 1713 HRS, AUG 27, 2014