crisis. “This is not a protest, a sit-in or a political gathering. This is a rebellion. It is a rebellion against state institutions. It is a rebellion against the state of Pakistan,” interior minister Chaudhry Nisar told parliament. “Clear guidance from this parliament would give strength to the police. ... They are not revolutionaries, they are intruders and terrorists,” he said of the protesters. Sharif, wearing traditional Pakistani clothes, made no remarks in parliament, taking notes and listening to speeches. A spokesman said Sharif might speak at the end of the session. Pakistan has been in turmoil since mid-August when tens of thousands of protesters led by Imran Khan, a former cricket player, and outspoken cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri flooded into the capital Islamabad refusing to leave unless Sharif resigns. The protesters accuse the government of corruption and Sharif of rigging the election last year. He denies that and has refused to step down. The demonstrations turned violent over the weekend as protesters armed with clubs and wearing gas masks to protect themselves against teargas tried to storm Sharif’s residence. At least three people were killed and hundreds wounded. But the capital was quiet on Tuesday, with no reports of violence. As members of parliament streamed into the assembly, a crowd of a few thousand protesters massed peacefully just outside in the so-called red zone — a central area where Sharif’s office, ministries and many embassies are located.