অ্যাকসেসিবিলিটি লিংক

Pakistan's Bhutto Calls for Protests; Gives Musharraf Ultimatum


Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto rallied her supporters Wednesday, calling for street protests against President Pervez Musharraf and his declaration of emergency rule.

Ms. Bhutto urged members of her opposition Pakistan People's Party to defy a ban on public gatherings, and attend a protest rally Friday in the city of Rawalpindi. She also threatened a 300-kilometer march from Lahore to Islamabad next week if General Musharraf does not reverse his emergency decree.

Ms. Bhutto said Mr. Musharraf should restore the constitution, announce a date for elections, due for January and quit his army post by November 15th.

Meanwhile, police used teargas to disperse about 200 Bhutto supporters who briefly demonstrated outside the parliament in Islamabad.

Inside, the assembly -- dominated by the ruling party -- voted to endorse the declaration of an emergency.

And police used force for the fourth straight day against lawyers protesting outside courthouses in the capital.

XS
SM
MD
LG