Massive clashes in Pakistan leave 16 dead

[maddezmom]

Source: CNN

POSTED: 0954 GMT (1754 HKT), May 12, 2007
Story Highlights• Government supporters, opposition party members clash in Karachi
• Many of those killed were supporters of the deposed chief justice, police said
• Iftikhar Chaudhry to address Karachi meeting; pro-Musharraf rally in capital
From Syed Mohsin Naqvi
CNN

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(CNN) -- At least 16 people have been killed during massive clashes between pro-government supporters and opposition party members Saturday in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, police and intelligence sources said.

Many of those killed were supporters of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who arrived in Karachi earlier in the day, police said. An unknown number of other people have been wounded.

Police and paramilitary officers have been unable to gain control of the situation.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf removed Chaudhry from his post on March 9, accusing him of misusing his powers. The dismissal has sparked widespread demonstrations.

Chaudhry is slated to address a bar association meeting later Saturday in Karachi, while Musharraf plans to hold his own public rally in the capital city of Islamabad as a show of his strength.



Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/05/12/pakistan.strife/index.html?section=cnn_latest

[Igel]

1. He was warned there might be trouble.

The local government suggested that he not visit their city, that there'd almost certainly be violence.

The response was for his supporters--that odd mix of liberals and religious ultra-conservatives that seem to be allies in many ways--to back him. (Personally, I find that mix of supporters repugnant.)

[upi402]

3. Like Buchanon and Jerry Brown agreeing on NAFTA

I know what you're saying, when opposite poles bend full circle. I guess that's how 'hold-yer-nose' coalitions are formed.
Let the palace intrigues begin in this tinder box...

[IndianaGreen]

2. 27 killed, dozens wounded as Pakistan's crisis erupts

Looks like things have gone from bad to worse since maddezmom posted the OP, and that was just a couple of hours ago.

The American-backed military dictatorship of Musharraf may well be on its "last throes," let's hope so!

27 killed, dozens wounded as Pakistan's crisis erupts

Gun battles on Karachi streets as chief justice is trapped at airport

Peter Beaumont , foreign affairs editor
Sunday May 13, 2007
The Observer

At least 27 people were killed and dozens more wounded in the city of Karachi yesterday as Pakistan's political crisis escalated into fierce gun battles.

The crisis, sparked by President Pervez Musharraf's suspension of the country's chief justice, Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, on 9 March, exploded into lethal clashes on the streets of Karachi when Chaudhry tried to visit the city for a political rally of his supporters.

The suspension of Chaudhry over allegations of 'misconduct' has outraged the judiciary and the opposition, and rapidly turned into the most serious challenge to Musharraf's authority since he seized power in 1999 in a bloodless coup.

The crisis coincides with the run-up to a general election and an anticipated attempt by Musharraf, a close ally of the US, to secure another term. Analysts say Musharraf's main motive in seeking the removal of the independent-minded Chaudhry is to have a more pliable man in place in case of a constitutional challenge to his plans.

The chief justice has been outspoken in his criticism of the government and has made a number of judgments that have irritated the government.

As Musharraf yesterday ruled out declaring a state of emergency, hospital officials in Karachi said that at least 27 people had died in the violence and 55 were wounded.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2078495,00.html

[fujiyama]

5. "Vital US ally"

Does anyone even buy this line of bullshit anymore?

[IndianaGreen]

6. A Bush ally is by definition, an enemy of the American people

Musharraf overthrew a democratically elected government to put himself in power. He is no friend of ours!

[Eugene]

4. 36 die in Pakistani political violence

Source: Associated Press

36 die in Pakistani political violence

By ZARAR KHAN, Associated Press Writer
26 minutes ago

KARACHI, Pakistan - A political crisis threatening President Gen. Pervez
Musharraf exploded into violence Saturday when clashes between pro-
government gunmen and opposition supporters killed at least 36 people
and thwarted a major rally against military rule.

The violence in Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, was the worst in a
two-month crisis shaking the government under Musharraf, a vital U.S.
ally who provoked the turmoil by ousting the head of the Supreme
Court on March 9.

Gunmen with assault rifles traded fire among bungalows and concrete
apartment blocks in the city of 15 million, a major port and home to
Pakistan's stock market. Shipping containers and immobilized trucks
blocked streets and men brandished rifles and handguns against a
backdrop of burning cars and buses.

The attacks trapped ousted Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed
Chaudhry at the Karachi airport, unable to attend what organizers
hoped to be the largest rally yet calling for Chaudhry's reinstatement
and for Musharraf to step down.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070513/ap_on_re_as/pakistan_judicial_crisis