KARACHI: Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Khursheed Shah said on Sunday his party stands by democracy and parliament, adding that democratic forces in the country should not be weakened.

The statement by the opposition leader came amid continuing protests across the country, which began Saturday after police and paramilitary personnel cracked down on Islamabad sit-in staged by a religious group.

"Religious matters should not be used for political sloganeering," the opposition leader said, speaking to Geo News via telephone.

Enraged protesters stage countrywide sit-ins after Islamabad operation

Protests held in Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in at least one death and left dozens injured, besides the 250 injuries reported in Islamabad

PM, COAS agree to not use force to disperse Islamabad protesters

The two discussed the sit-in being held on the Faizabad Interchange

He said the PPP leadership has conveyed a clear message in the backdrop of present situation of the country.

Protests held in Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have resulted in at least one death and left dozens injured, besides the 250 injuries reported in Islamabad.

Shah maintained that issues should be resolved through talks in accordance with the constitution and law.