President Musharraf announces that the English detectives will collaborate on investigations into the assassination of Bhutto. The USA support the decision and declare their satisfaction: the possibility of a UN enquiry appears remote, as requested by the killed leader’s People’s Party.
Election Commission postpones polls by six weeks because of damages incurred by many polling stations in last week’s violence. Tonight President Musharraf is to speak to the nation. Speculation continues as to the who was behind the Bhutto assassination and why. Former prime minister held a file with intelligence services’ plan to fix the elections.
A ruling party spokesman proposes postponing the poll. Election Commission will announce its decision tomorrow. The Pakistan People’s Party appoints Ms Bhutto’s son as her official successor, says it is ready for the 8 January poll. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan accuses Musharraf of involvement in the assassination, calls on the United Nations to conduct an independent inquiry.
Criticism of the government mounts, while al Qaeda denies all responsibility. The desire to continue the march towards freedom and democracy and fears for immediate consequences.
The body of the popular leader, killed yesterday in a suicide attack in Rawalpindi, arrived in her home town of Naudero, where she will be buried today in a funeral attended by thousands. Violent protests rocked the country overnight, against the government that many consider to be behind the murder claimed by al-Qaeda.
The community considered heretics by Islamic fundamentalists, do not accept the imposition of “religion” columns on ballots, which discriminates against their members.
The US Bishops’ Conference has lent its support to the Pakistani bishops appeal for an end to the state of emergency still in force throughout the country, and urge the US State Department to intervene in favour of re-establishing democracy.
The archbishop of Lahore and chairman of the Pakistan Catholic bishops Conference talks to AsiaNews about Benedict XVI’s new encyclical, which reminds Christians of their role as messengers of hope and invites them to look up to Christ, symbol of new life.
After a long period of discrimination since 2002 non-Muslims can vote for both reserved and non reserved seats. But Islamic parties do not want candidates from other religious groups and non-Muslims are reluctant to run against Muslims. For experts this is the crux of Pakistani democracy.
Even though Pakistan has been undergoing some difficult times, the Catechetical Centre Karachi was able to unite the people through a preparation programme to reflect and prepare for the birth of the Savior.
In his first address to the nation as a civilian president, Musharraf announces that the state of emergency will be lifted on 16 December. Washington praises the decision whilst Pakistan’s pro-democracy parties say they will boycott upcoming elections.
In a statement issued at the conclusion of an extraordinary meeting of the Pakistani Bishops Conference, the prelates invite Christians to pray God “grant wisdom to those who have to make vital decisions”. The Archbishop of Lahore “joyfully” welcomes the elected president’s removal of his uniform.
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