'We'll jam the whole of Pakistan': Thousands of protesters led by ex-cricketer Imran Khan clash with riot police in march to PM's house over claims he won fraudulent vote

March was led by Imran Khan and anti-government cleric Tahirul Qadri

They allege that the Prime Minister won 2013 election due to voter fraud

The two men demand that Nawaz Sharif step down but he has refused

Demonstration moved towards Mr Sharif's house after separate rallies

Roughly 125 were injured in the clashes with riot police in Islamabad



Thousands of Pakistani protesters clashed with riot police as they marched towards the prime minister's house in Islamabad.



Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the protesters, including women and children, who were calling for the resignation of Nawaz Sharif. It is thought that roughly 125 people were injured.



The march's leaders, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and anti-government cleric Tahirul Qadri, allege that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif won the 2013 election due to massive voter fraud. They demand that he step down from his position but Mr Sharif has refused.

Scroll down for video



Pakistani police have fired tear gas at thousands of protesters as they tried to march towards the prime minister's home in the capital, Islamabad

Supporters of Imran Khan, the former International cricketer turned politician, listen to his speech during an anti-government protest in front of Mr Sharif's home in Islamabad

Pakistani opposition protesters wearing gas masks shout anti-government slogans as they try to move toward the prime minister's residence following clashes with security forces. Police fired tear gas at the crowds

Supporters of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and Canadian cleric Tahir ul Qadri, climb a container which was used to block the way of the prime minister's house in Islamabad

Scores of protesters broke down a fence outside the parliament building adjacent to the prime minister's house, enabling hundreds of people to enter the lawns and parking area, according to an Associated Press photographer at the scene.

Mr Khan and Mr Qadri called for the demonstration to move to the house after separate massive rallies in front of the parliament, where they have been staging a sit-in for days.

Some 20,000 police in riot gear were charged with blocking the procession.



In speeches, Mr Khan and Mr Qadri said they will remain peaceful and urged security forces to abstain from using force against the protesters.



Both Mr Khan and Mr Qadri, a dual Pakistani-Canadian citizen with a wide following, also demand reforms in Pakistan's electoral system to prevent future voter fraud.



Backed by parliament and a number of political parties, Mr Sharif has said he will not step down.



Government negotiators are trying to convince Mr Qadri and Mr Khan to end their protest and abandon the demand for Mr Sharif's resignation.



The demonstration began with a march from the eastern city of Lahore on August 14 - the country's Independence Day.



Mr Khan and Mr Qadri had called for millions of protesters to join but crowds have not been more than tens of thousands.

Nearly 125 people were injured in the clashes on Saturday between police and demonstrators, pictured, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Pakistani opposition protesters throw stones toward the police, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the gathered crowds

Protesters march through the streets of Islamabad. The protesters' presence and heightened security measures have affected life and badly harmed business in the capital

The protesters' presence and heightened security measures have affected life and badly harmed business in the capital.



The rallies have remained peaceful, with families picnicking and men and women dancing to drums and national songs.



Riot police initially showed restraint to today's march but when the crowd started removing shipping containers used as barricades they fired tear gas that forced the crowds back.



TV footage showed protesters, including women and children, scattering in retreat.



Some fell to the ground and dozens were being treated in a hospital. Many, including two children, were shown being treated for the effects of tear gas.



Riot police initially showed restraint to today's march but when the crowd started removing shipping containers used as barricades they fired tear gas that forced the crowds back

The demonstration began with a march from the eastern city of Lahore on August 14 - the country's Independence Day. The two leaders called for four million people to take to the streets in support

Former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, left, has called for Mr Sharif, right, to resign. He also demands reforms in Pakistan's electoral system to prevent future voter fraud



Anti-government cleric Tahirul Qadri, pictured announcing the failure of negotiations with the government earlier this week, allege that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif won the 2013 election due to massive voter fraud

Police official Farman Ali said the injured have been moved to a government hospital.

'They fired tear gas shells at us,' said Ahsanullah Fakhri, 28, who was bleeding from his leg, as he exited an ambulance with some seven other protesters who had multiple minor wounds.



'I think they are also firing some bullets, I think rubber bullets,' he added.



Mr Khan described the police action against the crowd as illegal.

He said: 'Now we will show this government, we will call for countrywide agitation and we will jam the whole of Pakistan.'



Interior minister Nisar Ali Khan quickly visited the scene to boost police morale.

