Pakistan info minister quits in protest

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 14 (UPI) -- Pakistan Information Minister Sherry Rehman has resigned as the government clamps down on protesters and the country's media, reports indicate.

Pakistani media said Rehman offered her resignation Friday night after the government moved to block Pakistan's GEO News from broadcasting in locations across the country, CNN reported.

Citing local reports, Pakistan's English-language newspaper Dawn said GEO News claims that independent cable operators have been threatened by government officials and have been told to stop carrying the broadcaster as opposition protesters move ahead on plans for a "long march" to Islamabad demanding that the president reinstate fired judges.

Several protesters have been arrested and Islamabad city exits have been sealed off amid growing protests, CNN said.