Pakistan declares national holiday for film protests Pakistan's government has declared Friday a national holiday to allow protests against the anti-Islam film. The announcement came hours after hundreds of lawyers surrounded the Islamabad compound that houses the US Embassy on Wednesday. They wanted the makers of the film to be punished and are asking ministers to sever ties with Washington. They chanted "Down with America" as they marched towards the US embassy. But security forces stopped them before they could reach the building. Similar anti-American demonstrations were held in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul. The movie produced by a small group of US-based Christian extremists has sent shockwaves across the Islamic world. Muslims say the piece insults their religion and the Prophet Muhammad. More about: Afghanistan, Diplomatic tension, Islam, Pakistan, Protest, Religion