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Pakistani Troops Grab Activists

Media forbidden to express opposition views after Musharraf declares emergency

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 4, 2007 7:13 AM CST

(Newser) – Pakistani soldiers today began rounding up activists, lawyers and judges at gunpoint a day after President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, suspending the constitution and banning free speech. Media and police sources say 1,500 opposition figures have been detained; Prime Minister Shaukat Aziztold reporters there have been 500 "preventive arrests," and that the measures will continue "as long as necessary."

The PM said the state of emergency had been imposed to "bring more harmony to the pillars of state" and to protect against extremism in the country, CNN reports. He said January elections could be postponed, but the leadership is still committed to democracy. Condoleezza Rice continued efforts to diffuse mounting tension in the nation, asking "all parties to act with restraint in what is obviously a very difficult situation."

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

Troops of Pakistan paramilitary force stand guard at the junction to the President's house in Islamabad, Pakistan on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007. Authorities rounded up opposition leaders Sunday after military... (Associated Press)

Police detains Hamid Gul, former chief of the country's main intelligence agency and a staunch critic of Musharraf's support of the U.S.-led war on terror, in Islamabad, Pakistan on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007.... (Associated Press)

Pakistan's opposition leader Javed Hashmi flashes a victory sign as he is arrested by police in Multan, Pakistan on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007. Authorities rounded up opposition leaders Sunday after Gen. Pervez... (Associated Press)

An employee of a local hotel listens to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf delivering a televised speech to the nation in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. Musharraf sent troops into the streets... (Associated Press)

Armored car of police parked before the Presidential palace in Islamabad, Pakistan on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007. Authorities rounded up opposition leaders Sunday after Gen. Pervez Musharraf suspended Pakistan's... (Associated Press)

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Pakistani Troops Grab Activists