Imran Khan criticises hardliners over blasphemy protests

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has publicly addressed the nation to criticise hardliners protesting the acquittal of a Christian woman on death row in a blasphemy case.

Asia Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a row with her neighbours but has now been set free.

The verdict triggered demonstrations in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Multan and clashes with police have been reported.

In a televised broadcast, Mr Khan said hardliners were "inciting [people] for their own political gain", claiming they are "doing no service to Islam".