The justices, appointed after the state of emergency came into effect, have rejected all appeals against the general’s election. His resignation as army chief should come shortly. Nawaz Sharif is expected to return and run in the 8 January elections.
the Election Commission opens offices accepting nomination papers till November 26. Democrats and Peoples party unsure of boycott.
The new prime minister is Mohammedmian Soomro, former Senate president, loyal supporter of general Musharraf. The president transfers power to revoke state of emergency to his office, while Bhutto is released and demands an end to the military dictatorship.
After five years pro-Musharraf National Assembly is dissolved at the stroke of midnight tonight. Elections are scheduled for January 9 but arrests and human rights violations continue throughout the country. Justice and Peace Commission calls for a return to constitutional rule and an independent judiciary.
The president of Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission makes the charges, stressing the unconstitutionality of the action and how it violates the population’s human rights. Bhutto ends power-sharing talks with the general.
The ex premier has attempted to leave the house where she is being kept under guard to make her way to anti-government protests called for by the People’s Party. Speaking to the crowd from a megaphone the ex premier had warned police not to “try to stop her”. Clashes between police and supporters awaiting her.
Peter Jacob, executive secretary, National Bishop’s Commission for Justice and Peace, warns inviting all to stand firm against the military dictatorship. Nadeem Anthony, council member of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, phoned AsiaNews while he was being arrested. Since then there has been no news of his whereabouts.
A young Christian woman from Faisalabad is abducted by a Muslim man after visiting an aunt. She was held for ten days and forcibly converted to Islam. Despite a complaint from the victim’s father, the police have not yet taken any steps fearing the religious repercussions they may have.
Schools are under threat from suicide bombers. Students, forced to follow Islamic precepts, are leaving the valley. A long report by Minorities Concern of Pakistan points the finger at the unchallenged advance of Taliban groups in the country, which have reached the Swat Valley, an area also known as the ‘Switzerland of the Orient.’
Solidarity with the relatives of the victims whatever their religion or caste and a commitment to work for peace. Bhutto: I know the names of those responsible. Yet another deadly attack today in Balochistan.
The chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) witnessed yesterday’s terrorist attack in Karachi. The death toll now stands at 138 with more than 400 people wounded. Police blame terrorists; for Ms Bhutto’s husband, elements within the government are the culprits.
The violent attack took place a week ago caused by intolerance and futile provocations. Now the Islamic community has apologised to Christians, but other acts of intolerance are feared. Out of 10 thousand inhabitants, there are 25 Christian families.
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