Farmers arrested in Islamabad released over interior minister's orders

ISLAMABAD: The farmers arrested during a protest at D-Chowk in the federal capital have been released over orders of the interior minister. 

Around 180 farmers were arrested Friday during the protest that led to a clash between police and the demonstrators.

The police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, while the latter pelted stones in retaliation. Subsequently, police personnel as well as the protesting farmers were injured and taken to Polyclinic hospital of the city for treatment. 

The farmers belonging to Pakistan Kissan Ittehad had gathered to press the government for their 'due rights'. The protest and the subsequent clash had taken place hours before the federal budget was presented in the National Assembly.

Leaders from the opposition parties later chided the incumbent government, saying farmers are the backbone of the economy and hold the right to protest for their just demands.