Qaiser Felix

A few days before the former prime minister returns home, the media warns about possible attacks against her by Islamic extremists who fear the impact of her return on the country’s political life.

Faisalabad’s Council for Inter-religious dialogue hosted Muslim leaders and faithful in the cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, offering them an iftar, a bequest with which Ramadan fasting is ended. Muslim scholars condemn the blasphemy laws.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the results of the presidential elections underway today will not be made public until October 17th, when a decision will be handed down on general Musharaf’s eligibility. Votes ongoing for North West Frontier Assembly despite threats of a boycott. Bhutto’s party abstains.

Government statement about amnesty that would allow former prime minister to come home and run for office might not be true. Instead 162 federal and provincial lawmakers resign and boycott the election. By contrast, Bhutto’s party does not take sides.

Police charged beating hundreds of lawyers and journalists protesting against Musharraf. Top police officials are suspended in response to Supreme Court’s demand. Bomb on Afghan border kills 15 people.

The Election Commission confirmed yesterday that 71 nomination papers were filed. Candidates include current President Musharraf, Wajihuddin Ahmed and People’s Party’s Makhdoom Amin Fahim. Opposition tries to scuttle Musharraf’s re-election bid by causing mass resignation in provincial legislatures.

Standing as the lawyers’ candidate, he is deliberately running to oppose the president. Whilst the Supreme Court’s decision is pending on whether holding concurrently the presidency and the army chief post is legal, opposition leaders continue to be arrested.

Al-Qaeda calls for reprisal against Musharraf whom it calls a loyal collaborator of the United States. Experts say threats might reinforce his position ahead of upcoming presidential elections. For others these elections are but a power game unrelated to the real needs of the population.

Shahid Masih, 18, was imprisoned in September 2006 accused of having blasphemed Islam. His presumed accomplice, a Muslim released on caution nine months ago, also absolved. The Christian’s mother died from heartbreak following his arrest.

For the first time in over 50 years of history the government installed electric gates and stationed over one thousand officers around the sanctuary to guarantee the peace and safety during the pilgrimage. Among pilgrims, there were also Muslims on their second visit.

All is set for the annual pilgrimage to ‘Mary’s Village,’ near Lahore. The local archdiocese calls on the government for protection against extremism; still fear does not stop tens of thousands of pilgrims from coming.

The attacks were confirmed by the military spokesman. The targets were all linked to the ministry for defence and police forces. Human rights activists: extremists destabilise the nation, government intervention is needed.