President's Power to be Reduced

For Musharraf, Reduced Power as the President
New York Times -
Pakistan's new army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, right, watches General Pervez Musharraf finish his speech during today's change of command ceremony.
Musharraf Tells Opposition Parties to Join Elections (Update1) Bloomberg
Musharraf promises to end emergency rule by December 16 Guardian Unlimited
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Musharraf to lift state of emergency

AP Photo: Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, right, wipes his eye following an emotional speech after he was... Slideshow: Pakistan

By SADAQAT JAN, Associated Press Writer Thu Nov 29, 11:33 AM ET

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pervez Musharraf embarked on a new five-year term as a civilian president Thursday, promising to lift a state of emergency by Dec. 16 and restore the constitution before January elections, a key demand of his domestic opponents and foreign backers.

In a televised speech hours after taking the oath of office, Musharraf also urged former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif — his two rivals for power who recently returned from exile — not to boycott the Jan. 8 parliamentary elections.

He said "a level playing field" has been given to their parties, and they and others should "participate fully."

However, he struck an uncompromising tone when insisting that the elections would go on without them, if necessary. "No one will be allowed to destabilize this democratic process or to create hurdles in its way," he said.

"I am determined to lift the emergency by Dec. 16," Musharraf said as he addressed the nation, seated between a portrait of Pakistan's founding father, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, and a green-and-white national flag. "The elections, God willing, will be held free and transparent under the constitution." READ MORE

Musharraf Steps down from Military

Musharraf steps down as head of Pakistan's military
New York Daily News -

AP RAWALPINDI, Pakistan -- Pervez Musharraf stepped down as Pakistan’s military commander Wednesday, fulfilling a key opposition demand a day before he was to be sworn in as a civilian president.

Pakistan Gets A New Chief Of The Army CBS News
Musharraf Steps Down as Head of Pakistani Army Washington Post
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Supreme Court Paves Way for Musharraf Re-election

Pakistani lawyers scuffle with police outside the Karachi Bar Association, Karachi, Pakistan, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. The Supreme Court , hand-picked by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, swiftly dismissed legal challenges to his continued rule to open the way for him to serve another five-year term - this time solely as a civilian president. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) (David Guttenfelder - AP)

Musharraf cleared for re-election
Chicago Tribune -

By Kim Barker | Tribune foreign correspondent 12:33 AM CST, November 23, 2007 ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The new Supreme Court on Thursday wasted little time in tossing out the final challenge to President Pervez Musharraf's continued rule, paving the way ...

Musharraf Rival Prepares for Return to Pakistan New York Times
Exiled ex-PM Sharif plots return to Pakistan USA Today
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Commonwealth suspends Pakistan

AP Photo: Javed Hashmi, leader of Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's party Muslim League, addresses his... Slideshow:

Pakistan KAMPALA, Uganda - The 53-nation Commonwealth suspended Pakistan from the organization Thursday for failing to end emergency rule, the group said.

The Commonwealth, largely made up of Britain and its former colonies, gave Pakistan's military ruler Gen. Pervez Musharraf a Thursday deadline to lift emergency rule and step down as army chief.

A committee of foreign ministers "has suspended Pakistan from councils of the Commonwealth pending restoration of democracy and rule of law in the country," said Secretary-General Don McKinnon. The decision came during the meeting in Kampalpa, Uganda. READ MORE

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"Give Us Back Our of Country ..."

Employees of Pakistan's Geo television network and other protesters hold a candlelight rally to protest against President Pervez Musharraf's emergency rule and the crackdown on the media in Karachi on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

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Court Decision Clears Way for Musharraf
New York Times - 1 hour ago
By JANE PERLEZ ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Nov. 22 - In a decision designed to legitimize the election of the Pakistani president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, the country’s Supreme Court today dismissed a final legal complaint challenging his right to be ...
Court Dismisses Legal Challenge Against Musharraf Washington Post
No early release for judges who defied Musharraf Reuters
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"This is My Country ..."

History:
Originally a loose tribal confederation, Baluchistan was later divided into four principalities that were sometimes under Persian, sometimes under Afghan suzerainty. In the 19th century British troops tried to subdue the inhabitants until a treaty in 1876 gave them autonomy in exchange for British army outposts along the Afghan border and strategic roads. On the partition of India in 1947 the khan of Kalat declared Baluchistan independent; the insurrection was crushed by the new Pakistani army after eight months. Three rebellions followed, the last being from 1973 to 1977, when 3,300 Pakistani soldiers and some 6,000 Baluch were killed.

Quetta, more commonly known as the fruit garden of PAKISTAN, is the capital of Baluchistan and one of the most beautiful cities of PAKISTAN.

READ MORE

Pakistan Water Resources major Concern

Pakistan is one of the world’s most arid countries. The Indus River is the country’s only major river system.

Pakistan’s economic and social wellbeing is built on this water system despite the scant average annual rainfall of just 240 millimeters.

Over the years, Pakistan has harnessed the Indus River to bring 35.7 million acres under irrigation to cultivate land in otherwise desert conditions.

Today, the country has the world’s largest irrigation system, one of great technical, institutional and social complexity. This irrigated agriculture system accounts for a 1/4 of the country’s GDP, 2/3 of employment and about 80% of exports. READ MORE

Other Links
http://www.waterinfo.net.pk/
http://www.yespakistan.com/people/potable_water.asp/
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006
%5C01%5C18%5Cstory_18-1-2006_pg7_27

PAKISTAN: Hope fades for the “disappeared” under emergency rule

A protest by families of the 'disappeared' in Quetta, Pakistan

LAHORE, 21 November 2007 (IRIN) - Pakistan’s state of emergency declared on 3 November has aggravated the situation for some 100 or so people deemed “missing” in the country, according to rights groups.

In the days that led up to the emergency, a full bench of Pakistan's Supreme Court, headed by the former chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, while hearing a petition on the behalf of 198 people filed early in 2007 by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and 41 other petitions, ordered the government to find and release all the missing people.

In hearings over many months, the court concluded that the “disappeared” people were in the custody of intelligence agencies and 99 were ordered to be released. READ MORE

PAKISTAN: Thousands flee Swat Valley as army moves in to tackle militants

Extremist elements in Swat had been urging parents to send their children to Islamic schools
ISLAMABAD, 20 November 2007 (IRIN) - Thousands of people have begun fleeing Pakistan’s troubled Swat Valley in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) following an announcement by security forces calling on residents to leave their homes.

The move appears timed to coincide with a major military offensive set to take place over the coming days against Taliban militants operating in the area.

“The authorities made the announcement in Kabal last night,” Mohammad Munir, district manager for Pakistan’s Red Crescent Society in Swat, told IRIN from the village of Totanobandai, on 20 November. Kabal lies 10km northwest of Mingora, the district’s largest city, and has some 15,000 to 20,000 inhabitants. READ MORE

Quetta News Headlines

QUETTA: (PPI):" I am not satisfied with law and ruder situation in the province as satisfaction is always dangerous and administrator leaves work." This was stated by Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani in a brief... Full Story

Prof Dr. Atta to be honoured

QUETTA :(PPI): Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman, FRS, will be conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education (HonDEd) on Friday 23rd November, 2007 by Coventry University (U.K) in recognition of his huge contributions... Full Story

UK Envoy meets Benazir

QUETTA: (PPI): British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley met Benazir Bhutto at her home in Karachi Wednesday to discuss the current political situation. Acording to British HC Press release faxed todaay,... Full Story

CEC calls for priority list of nominated candidates

QUETTA:(PPI): Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has drawn attention of political parties to submit 'List of nominated candidates in order of priority' for reserve seats of women and minorities... Full Story READ MORE

The Balance of Power

No early release for judges who defied Musharraf
Reuters -

By Simon Cameron-Moore ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - There are some voices President Pervez Musharraf clearly fears more than others after three weeks of emergency rule in Pakistan.

Musharraf's Re-Election Cleared, Setting Up Army Exit (Update5) Bloomberg
Pakistani Court Dismisses Final Challenge to Musharraf Re-Election Voice of America
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Are Fair Elections Possible?

Pakistan Parties Say Observers Can't Ensure Fair Poll (Update1)
Bloomberg -

By Khalid Qayum and Farhan Sharif Nov. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan's opposition parties said international observers will arrive too late to ensure elections are fair because most candidates are detained so won't be able to register in time.

Pakistan Parties Waver On Boycott Guardian Unlimited
Pakistan's President Musharraf May Quit Army Post in Days ... Voice of America
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...thy kingdom come, thy will be done...

Pakistan parties waver on boycott

AP Photo: Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto speaks to the media at her headquarters in Karachi, Pakistan,...

Slideshow: Pakistan

By PAUL HAVEN, Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Opposition parties wavered Wednesday on whether to boycott crucial Pakistani elections, backing off their most strident calls to shun the vote unless President Gen. Pervez Musharraf ends his state of emergency.

The government continued to roll back a wave of repression, freeing several hundred more opponents across the country, as the president returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia to discuss the future of an exiled rival, Nawaz Sharif. READ MORE

US Encourages End to Emergency Rule

US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte delivers a press briefing in Islamabad, Pakistan on Sunday.

Islamabad: US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said on Sunday he had urged Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to end emergency rule.

"Emergency rule is not compatible with free, fair and credible elections," Negroponte told a news conference at the US embassy in Islamabad.

Negroponte met Musharraf on Saturday in the first high-level meeting of a US official with Washington's crucial ally in the fight against Al Qaida and the Taliban. READ MORE

A Packed Court Decides in Musharraf's Favor

Court dismisses petitions against Musharraf
CNN International -

LAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) -- The Pakistani Supreme Court, packed with judges appointed in recent days by President Pervez Musharraf, dismissed five major petitions against him Monday contesting the validity of his re-election, the nation's attorney ...
Court Upholds Musharraf Election New York Times
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Local Press Restrained

A Simple Prayer

"Lord, You have the name that is above all names. You are Lord forever and there is no one who can challenge Your authority and power. You rule for ever and ever, and there is no end to Your Kingdom. The earth is Yours and everyone on it. Grant us Your wisdom to care for the earth and all the people groups on it. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in Pakistan." Amen!

US envoy carries warning to Pakistan

By STEPHEN GRAHAM, Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - A senior U.S. envoy carried a stern warning Friday to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf from the Bush administration to end emergency rule and phoned one of the military leader's chief critics to underscore Washington's support for free elections.

Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, in Islamabad, spoke with Benazir Bhutto in what is believed to be the highest-level U.S. contact with the Pakistani opposition leader since the state of emergency was imposed Nov. 3, a senior State Department official said.

The call came hours after Bhutto and other opposition leaders were freed from house arrest and the government permitted two independent news channels back on air — moves seen as an attempt to blunt criticism from Musharraf's key foreign backer.

The State Department official would not give details of the call but said Negroponte had generally underscored Washington's opposition to Musharraf's extra-constitutional actions and its desire to see Bhutto and other opposition figures free to peacefully participate in Paakistan's political sphere.

Musharraf frees Bhutto

Reuters

Musharraf swears in new gov't, Bhutto speaks out

AP

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The official spoke on condition of anonymity to reveal a private diplomatic contact. READ MORE

Please, "pray the news" . . . pray for a willingness to have peaceful negotiations, equitable resolutions, a mutually agreed upon plan to move toward stability, and the resolve to finish the process in the best possible way for Pakistan and it's people.

Pakistan army No. 2 will play key role

In this file picture taken on Aug. 2, 2007 and released by Inter Services Public...

By PAUL HAVEN, Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Pakistan's next army chief owes his meteoric rise to Gen. Pervez Musharraf, but was once a confidant and senior aide to the Pakistani leader's archrival Benazir Bhutto. He is well-known in Washington but has a reputation for keeping his cards close to his chest.

One thing is clear: However Pakistan's political crisis unfolds, Gen. Ashfaq Kayani will play a key role in either propping Musharraf up or accelerating his political demise.

Musharraf has named the 55-year-old career officer to take control of Pakistan's 600,000-strong armed forces when he gives up his title as army chief, something Musharraf has said he expects to do by the end of this month.

But pressure is mounting on Musharraf to go further, by resigning as president and exiting the stage altogether. Musharraf declared emergency rule two weeks ago, disbanding the Supreme Court and jailing thousands of his detractors, including senior political leaders. READ MORE

Bhutto in national unity government push

AP Photo: A Pakistani police officer in plainclothes opens fire at protesters during an anti-government rally

By PAUL HAVEN, Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Benazir Bhutto urged fellow opposition leaders Thursday to join her in an alliance that could govern until elections, but Pakistan's embattled military leader gave no sign he might hand over power and named his own interim prime minister.

Emergency Rule to Continue in Pakistan ABC News

Bhutto speaks from behind barbed wire AP All news video

The proposal came on the eve of a visit by a top U.S. envoy who was coming to press President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to end emergency rule and free thousands of people detained for political activism and demonstrating.

Analysts were waiting for Musharraf's announcement Friday of a caretaker Cabinet to oversee parliamentary elections promised by Jan. 9. A lack of any members friendly to the opposition would intensify doubts about the fairness of the ballot and further fuel discontent.

One of the country's main Islamist parties called its first protests against the state of emergency Friday, adding the voice of factions opposed to Musharraf's alliance with the U.S. to the recent protests by lawyers, students and secular parties against military rule.

The turmoil deepened Thursday as two children and an adult were killed during a gunbattle between police and protesters in the southern city of Karachi — the first deaths during demonstrations since Musharraf suspended the constitution Nov. 3. Protests were reported in other cities and more party activists were arrested.

Bhutto outlined her plan for opposition factions to form a national unity interim government that could supplant Musharraf's administration during a telephone interview with The Associated Press, and the idea was quickly supported by her longtime political rival, Nawaz Sharif.

But Sharif said they weren't in a position to form an acting government unless Musharraf was removed from office. Bhutto indicated a need for a voluntary transfer of power, saying she shared Washington's concern about a power vacuum should the general be ousted.

Sharif, who like Bhutto is a former prime minister, said the opposition's priority should be reinstatement of Supreme Court judges removed by Musharraf. Independent-minded judges blocked some of his moves this year, and many people suspect Musharraf feared the court would overturn his re-election as president last month by legislators. READ MORE

Musharraf to quit army this month

By STEPHEN GRAHAM and MATTHEW PENNINGTON, Associated Press Writers 2 hours, 27 minutes ago

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan - President Gen. Pervez Musharraf said for the first time Wednesday that he expects to quit as chief of Pakistan's army by the end of November, heralding a return to civilian rule.

But in an interview with The Associated Press, he also rejected U.S. pressure to quickly end a state of emergency and a demand from opposition leader Benazir Bhutto that he leave the political stage altogether.

Musharraf, wearing a dark business suit rather than his military uniform, said rising Islamic militancy required him to stay in control of the troubled nation but he left the door open for future cooperation with Bhutto if she wins January parliamentary elections.

He said his government "would prefer to engage with all the foreign concerns and tell them our difficulties so that they understand."

"But basically my concern is Pakistan," Musharraf said. "I take decisions in Pakistan's interest and I don't take ultimatums from anyone." READ MORE

Please, "pray the news"

Bhutto Calls on Musharraf to Step Down

LAHORE, Pakistan, Nov. 13 -- Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, in harsh comments issued by phone while under house arrest, on Tuesday demanded that President Pervez Musharraf step down and appeared to scotch any lingering chance of a powersharing arrangement between them.

In Karachi, meanwhile, clashes erupted between local police and members of Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, with reports of mass arrests and gunshots fired at local police stations. Bhutto has estimated that in excess of 10,000 of her party members may now be in police custody -- just one of several facts she listed in explaining her decision to call for Musharraf's resignation.

Read more | Countries
Source: Washington Post

Bhutto Placed Under House Arrest Again

LAHORE, Pakistan — Pakistani authorities placed opposition leader Benazir Bhutto under house arrest for the second time in four days to prevent her staging a grand procession on Tuesday to protest emergency rule, police said.

A seven-day detention order was issued by the government of Punjab province, where the former prime minister is staying at the house of a lawmaker from her party, Aftab Cheema, the chief of operations of Lahore city police, told The Associated Press.

"She has been detained and she won't be allowed to come out," Cheema said.

Hundreds of armed police were deployed Monday in the streets around the home where Bhutto is staying, and sharpshooters took to surrounding rooftops. A series of three steel-and-barbed wire barricades were erected around her house. READ MORE

Cities of Pakistan

BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF PAKISTAN

Bhutto is Opposed to Hold a Motorcade

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto meets diplomats at the Parliament in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/B.K.Bangash

Confrontation looms over Bhutto's Pakistan protest
Reuters -
By Simon Gardner and Kamran Haider LAHORE, Pakistan, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto will not be allowed to hold a motorcade procession planned for Tuesday from the city of Lahore to protest against emergency rule, ...
Pakistan to block Bhutto's march CNN International
Musharraf Sets No Date to End Emergency Rule New York Times
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Pakistan bars planned protest by Bhutt

By MATTHEW PENNINGTON, Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto will not be allowed to hold a protest procession across Pakistan because it will violate a ban on political rallies under the state of emergency, a government spokesman said Monday.

Bhutto and other opposition members have threatened to boycott upcoming parliametnary elections unless the restrictions imposed by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf come to and end and he resigns as army chief. Musharraf said the vote would take place in mid-January, but critics say with the state of emergency, elections will be neither free nor fair.

Bhutto was due to depart from the eastern city of Lahore on Tuesday morning for the capital, Islamabad. The journey was expected to take about three days, and her party said thousands of supporters were expected to join her en route.

"All processions, rallies, political gatherings at present are outlawed," Deputy Information Minister Tariq Azim told The Associated Press. "So if she breaks the law then obviously she will not be allowed to do it."

The caravan was meant to pressure Musharraf to end the state of emergency he imposed on Nov. 3 that suspended the constitution. READ MORE

Political and National Tension Rise -- peace - peace to Pakistan

Benazir Bhutto speaks to media as she leaves her home after the lifting of her house arrest in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, prevented from leading a protest rally a day earlier, left her house Saturday to join demonstrations against a state of emergency as the government set a one month deadline for its removal.

Bhutto joined journalists angry over a media blackout imposed on all independent news channels since November 3 has limited broadcasts of the festering political crisis, although anyone with satellite service can receive some of the barred networks, which include CNN READ MORE

Bhutto is Allowed to Leave her Home

Benazir Bhutto Is Permitted to Leave Home
New York Times -

By DAVID ROHDE ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Nov. 10 -- The Pakistani police allowed the opposition leader Benazir Bhutto to leave her home on Saturday, and she carried out a brief protest in front of the home of the ousted chief justice.
Pakistan's state of emergency 'to be lifted' SI.com
Bhutto kept from rally Los Angeles Times
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News and Views

Diana West: Two Camps on Pakistan Muddle the Middle

We all have questions about Pakistan. Will civil war convulse the country? Will jihadists, rulers of Taliban-friendly provinces, conquer all of Pakistan? Will Musharraf himself be deposed in a military coup?


Robert D. Novak: Calls From Pakistan

President Pervez Musharraf and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto each placed telephone calls from Pakistan to Democratic Sen. Joseph Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to discuss the country's crisis before either talked to President George W. Bush.

Insider Opinion: Pakistan's fate in Who's Hands?

Born: 1943, age 64.
Nationality: Pakistani
General, Military Officer, Politician

by Nadeem Saleem, CCNews, Islamabad

Thank you very much for the prayers of so many people from around the world. It means that you have very soft heart for Pakistan.

In my opinon, the Taliban and Al-Qaida intend to occupy Pakistan cities instead of Afghanistan, now that it is convenient for them to stay. They will aim at getting more weapons, property and the religious sympathy of the people.

Thankfully, it will be very hard for them to reach the atom bomb of Pakistan.

Again, in my opinion, President Pervaiz Musharraf is probably right to impose a state of emergency on the country. But the implications of it could have irreversable effects. He is determined to remain as President. He might only resign his Presidency or Chief of the Military, if America ceases to support him, or if he is killed by extremists. Otherwise, Musharruf will undoubtedly remain at his post. Not even ex-president Benirzir can do anything to dissuade him at this time.

It seems to me, the future of Pakistan is not just in the hands of President Musharraf, but also in the hands of President Bush. Of course, both of them, are in the Hands of God!

Please continue to pray for our country . . . for peace to come, for God's will to be done.

~ CCNews Correspondent: Nadeem Saleem, Islamabad

Pakistani Leader Blocks Protests, Creating Impasse

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Nov. 9 — The sweeping security crackdown by Gen. Pervez Musharraf that thwarted a protest rally against his emergency decree by the opposition leader Benazir Bhutto left the two adversaries locked in a standoff on Friday.
Read more

Dialog on Future

ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto listens to vice chairman of her Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Makhdoom Amin Fahim during the Central Executive Committee meeting in Islamabad.--Photo by Sohail Shahzad Click here

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British foreign minister for sending strong signal to Musharraf
LONDON: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has urged a strong and united cross-party British response to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf after hearing several calls for a softer line....

بے نظیر نظربندی سے نہ نکل سکیں ، کارکنوں اور پولیس میں جھڑپیں

بینظیر بھٹو نظربندی کے احکامات کے باوجود رکاوٹیں توڑ کر مین روڈ تک آنے میں...

Bhutto Under House Arrest to Undermine Protest

Nov. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was placed under arrest for three days at her house in the capital, Islamabad, to prevent her from addressing a rally planned to protest emergency rule. READ MORE