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Pakistan Ends Bhutto Detention

Musharraf lifts house arrest, prepares for US diplomat

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2007 7:29 PM CST

(Newser) – Benazir Bhutto has been released from house arrest and her detention orders withdrawn just hours before Pakistan's President Perzez Musharraf swears in an interim government of his choosing and a US diplomat arrives for talks, Reuters reports. "She is free to move wherever she likes," said a police official. Bhutto had been detained—again—since Tuesday, to prevent her from attending a demonstration opposing emergency rule.

Bhutto's release comes as Musharraf gets set to swear in a close ally as interim prime minister to govern until January elections. John Negroponte, deputy secretary of state, is due to arrive tomorrow to press the US case for a resumption of civilian rule. Bhutto today ruled out any power-sharing deal with Musharraf, and 3 people were killed in protests in Karachi.

Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto adjusts her shawl during a press conference in Lahore, Pakistan on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. (AP Photo/K M Chaudary) (Associated Press)

Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto chant slogans as they are arrested during an anti-government rally in Karachi, Pakistan on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. President Gen. Pervez... (Associated Press)

Police officers take cover during an exchange of fire between protesters and police during an anti-government demonstration in Karachi, Pakistan on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf... (Associated Press)

Local journalists hold a protest rally to condemn restriction on Pakistani media by Pakistan's military ruler President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, in Lahore, Pakistan on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary) (Associated Press)

Police arrest a political activist during a rally held against Pakistan's military ruler President Gen. Pervez Musharraf in Peshawar, Pakistan on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007. Musharraf was finalizing a caretaker... (Associated Press)

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Pakistan Ends Bhutto Detention

Musharraf lifts house arrest, prepares for US diplomat

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Another cop, plus five Taliban militants also indicted

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Pakistan Ends Bhutto Detention

Musharraf lifts house arrest, prepares for US diplomat

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • John Negroponte • Benazir Bhutto • house arrest

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Musharraf Plans Return to Pakistan, Faces Arrest

He's expected back this month, and a prosecutor vows to detain him

Ex-Police Chief Indicted in Bhutto Assassination

Another cop, plus five Taliban militants also indicted

Musharraf Meets With Rick Perry in Texas

Texas governor talks foreign relations in Austin

US Told to Cut Military Presence in Pakistan

Former president labels Osama raid 'act of war'

Pakistan Secretly OK'd bin Laden Hit—10 Years Ago

Gave Bush permission for raid by Pervez Musharraf

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?