Hundreds of demonstrators calling for President Ashraf Ghani to step down clashed with police yesterday, prompting officials to beat them back with live rounds in the air, tear gas and water cannon.
The protesters were voicing anger over a truck bombing on Wednesday in Kabul's diplomatic quarter that killed 90 people and wounded hundreds, the deadliest attack in the city since 2001.
Authorities have sealed off roads in the centre of the city, citing the threat of new attacks on large gatherings of people.
"We hope that people will stay away from protests."
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But dozens of people still gathered on Saturday under a tent close to the presidential palace calling for Ghani's government to resign, but the assembly was largely peaceful.
"Any government attempt to disrupt our fair and just demonstration will show their complicity with terrorist groups and the perpetrators of Wednesday's attack," said Asif Ashna, a spokesman for the protesters.
"It is the duty of the government to ensure security to the protesters... And the government will be held responsible for any violence."
Residents of the city have demanded answers from the government over the perceived intelligence failure leading to the bombing, which underscores spiralling insecurity in Afghanistan.
Yesterday's killings will likely further inflame passions as protesters prepared to attend their funeral ceremonies today.
The United Nations and a host of international allies have urged the protesters for restraint.
"The enemy seeks to manipulate the people's anger and sadness to create division and sow instability," the US embassy said in a statement.
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