Bhutto Plans Mass Rally; Lawyers Clash With Police

State of emergency continues as ex-PM calls for protests

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2007 5:57 AM CST

(Newser) – As lawyers continue to clash with police in Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto has vowed to lead massive public protests to force Pervez Musharraf to restore the constitution and hold elections as scheduled. The Times of London reports that Bhutto is traveling to the capital, Islamabad, today to meet with fellow opposition leaders, and she will hold a rally in nearby Rawalpindi, the garrison city where Gen. Musharraf keeps his headquarters.

Meanwhile police used batons and tear gas to disperse thousands of lawyers today, and the deposed chief justice, speaking by cell phone, vowed to restore the constitution. The AP reports that cell phone services were cut in Islamabad immediately afterwards, although it wasn't clear if the events were related. The government is sending mixed signals about going ahead with elections, although in present circumstances it is unlikely opposition parties would take part.

[Images (7)]

[Videos (1)]

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benzair Bhutto addresses a news conference in Karachi, Pakistan on Monday, Nov 5, 2007. Police fired tear gas and clubbed thousands of lawyers protesting against President... (Associated Press)

Over 200 lawyers unite in protest against Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf outside of the Islamabad Bar Association in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Wally Santana) (Associated Press)

Pakistani lawyers shout slogans at a rally against President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's declaration of a state of emergency in Islamabad, Pakistan on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. Stone-throwing lawyers again... (Associated Press)

Pakistani police officers with their riot gears stand alert as lawyers hold a rally against President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's declaration of a state of emergency in Islamabad, Pakistan on Tuesday, Nov.... (Associated Press)

About 200 lawyers march in protest against Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf outside of the Islamabad Bar Association in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Wally Santana) (Associated Press)

Protesters burn the picture of Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf during a demonstration against the state of emergency in Pakistan outside the Pakistan Consulate in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Nov. 6,... (Associated Press)

Police officers beat a passer-by outside the Lahore High court in Lahore, Pakistan on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. Lawyers again clashed with police as Pakistan's President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's government... (Associated Press)

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Bhutto Plans Mass Rally; Lawyers Clash With Police