Bhutto Plans Mass Rally; Lawyers Clash With Police

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. (More Pakistan stories.)