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In Pakistan, a Birthday Marred by Violence

Nation turns 60 amid bomb attacks and political upheaval

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 14, 2007 6:26 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Pakistan celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence today at a moment plagued by violence and shadowed by political uncertainty, the Independent writes. A roadside bomb killed four civilians yesterday near the border with Afghanistan, where the Taliban is allegedly regrouping. Attacks have multiplied since July from tribal areas to Islamabad.

Concerts and fireworks have been scheduled today to celebrate Pakistan's establishment following the partition of India, but the mood remains tense. Economic growth has slowed, dogged by unrest. Last week Gen. Pervez Musharraf nearly imposed a state of emergency in a desperate attempt to shore up power and cancel upcoming elections.

Pakistani girls wave national flags at a flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of independence from British rule, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007. Pakistan celebrates itts independence amid a political crisis facing the country's U. S. -allied president and surging militant violence. (AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)
Pakistani girls wave national flags at a flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of independence from British rule, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007. Pakistan celebrates itts...   (Associated Press)
Pakistani youth wave national flags at a rally to celebrate countrys Independence Day, Monday, Aug. 13, 2007 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pakistani nation are celebrating its 60th Independence Day on Aug. 14, to mark its independence as it ceded from British rule in 1947. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Pakistani youth wave national flags at a rally to celebrate countrys Independence Day, Monday, Aug. 13, 2007 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Pakistani nation are celebrating its 60th Independence Day on Aug....   (Associated Press)
With a giant portrait of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in the backdrop, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, standing on left, delivers speech at a flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of independence from British rule, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007. Pakistan celebrates itts independence amid a...
With a giant portrait of Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah in the backdrop, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, standing on left, delivers speech at a flag hoisting ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary...   (Associated Press)
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BBC on the anniversary celebrations
BBC

Telegraph: a country in crisis
Telegraph (UK)

Guardian: The Indian view
Guardian (UK)

 
Afghanistan • Taliban • Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • India • independence • roadside bomb • Islamabad • Islamic extremism • state of emergency • election

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