Tensions run high ahead of funeral

Thousands turn out to protest the state execution of Islamist convicted of murder

Tens of thousands of supporters of a Pakistani Islamist executed for gunning down a liberal governor gathered for his funeral on Tuesday, sparking fears of violence, as schools closed and police cordoned off flashpoints.

Main junctions and sensitive buildings in the capital Islamabad and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi were guarded by thousands of police, who also lined the route taken by Mumtaz Qadri's funeral procession.