Power struggle in Pakistan continues - Forme president Musharaf must be laughing now
March 15th, 2009
The power struggle is ruing Pakistan. Many thought after Musharaf's exit, things would be better, but now there are some who are even saying the man should come back and govern again. The wrangling parties pretended to be democratic and got the help of the west to oust Musharaf peacefully. Now they even cannot agree on what to do with the country. Whilst they fight for power, the poor people are dying.
Anxiety as former Pakistani PM defies detention order
Protesters throw stones towards police during a countrywide anti-government protest march in Lahore. Photo/REUTERS
LAHORE (Pakistan), Sunday
Former Pakistani Prime Minister and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif defied government attempts to place him under “protective security” today and said protests against the government would go on.
Mr Sharif has thrown his support behind a protest campaign by anti-government lawyers that threatens to bring turmoil to Pakistan as the government struggles to stem militancy and to revive a flagging economy.
Police fired tear gas and lashed protesters with batons outside the High Court in the city of Lahore, where Mr Sharif had been due to address a rally, witnesses said.
“You have seen that the entire country has been turned into a police state. They have blocked all roads, they have used all sorts of unlawful tactics,” Mr Sharif told a throng of reporters gathered at the front step of his Lahore home.
To the streets
“We will continue marching towards our destination. Sons and daughters, the time has come to take to the streets.”
Earlier, Mr Sharif’s party said he had been ordered detained at his home for three days. Police officer Babur Awan also said a detention order had been issued.
Police in riot gear virtually sealed off Mr Sharif’s house with road blocks on all approaches, but government officials denied he had been placed under house arrest.
One said Mr Sharif had been placed under “protective security” for three days after he had refused various options for addressing his supporters under government protection.