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Sharif Calls for Election Boycott

Opposition leader demands Musharraf quit

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 28, 2007 3:15 AM CST
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(Newser) – Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif called on his countrymen to boycott the coming elections and demanded President Pervez Musharraf resign following the shocking assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Sharif, 57, long a political adversary of Bhutto, rushed to the hospital in Rawalpindi and sat silently by her body after she was shot dead yesterday. "Benazir Bhutto was also my sister," he said later, his eyes welling with tears.

Sharif said he and his party will boycott the January 8 elections and he called for all parties—including Bhutto's—to do the same to undermine the legitimacy of a Musharraf victory. "I demand that Musharraf quit immediately," he said. "Musharraf is the cause of all the problems. The federation of Pakistan cannot remain intact in the presence of President Musharraf."

Pakistan former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, left, comforts Amin Fahim, leader of Benazir Bhutto's People's party at a local hospital where Bhutto died, on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Bhutto was assassinated in suicide attack that also killed at least 20 people. (AP Photo/Mohammad Ali)
Pakistan former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, left, comforts Amin Fahim, leader of Benazir Bhutto's People's party at a local hospital where Bhutto died, on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan....   (Associated Press)
Pakistan former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, center, leaves a local hospital, where Benazir Bhutto died. Sharif announced Thursday his party is boycotting Jan. 8 parliamentary elections following the assassination and demanded that the country's president resign immediately. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistan former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, center, leaves a local hospital, where Benazir Bhutto died. Sharif announced Thursday his party is boycotting Jan. 8 parliamentary elections following the...   (Associated Press)
Pakistan's former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and her political rival Nawaz Sharif, address a news conference after a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan December 3d 2007. Opposition leader Bhutto was assassinated Thursday in a suicide attack. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed, File)
Pakistan's former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and her political rival Nawaz Sharif, address a news conference after a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan December 3d 2007. Opposition leader Bhutto was assassinated...   (Associated Press)
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Sharif Reaction

Sharif calls on Musharraf to resign
Newser

Boycott and strike called in response to assassination
Dawn (Pakistan)

Pakistan faces more turmoil
New York Times

 
Pervez Musharraf • Benazir Bhutto • assassination • Nawaz Sharif • boycott • Pakistan Muslim League • Zia ul Haq • Aftab Sherpao

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