Pakistan violence flares after Musharraf resigns



ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition discussed Tuesday how to replace former President Pervez Musharraf and what to do with the man who ruled for nine years, while militant violence underscored the challenges facing the country.

Another potentially divisive issue on the agenda is how to restore judges Musharraf fired in a desperate attempt to cling to power. The meeting ended abruptly and no progress was announced.

The militant threat is spreading in Pakistan's northwest — with clashes between the army and insurgents killing at least 29 people since Musharraf's exit — adding to uncertainty about the new government's approach to tackling extremist violence. Unlike Musharraf, who took a hard line against the insurgents, the coalition has sought to negotiate peace treaties with tribal leaders in the restive northwest to curb the violence.

The country is also facing soaring inflation, chronic power shortages and a host of other economic problems.


http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jIE0IUn...H5RXzgD92LEQIO0


Violence flares along Pakistan border after Musharraf exit

Violence erupted today along the lawless border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with separate attacks on a US military base, a Pakistani hospital and in the tribal region of Bajaur, leaving dozens dead.

The clashes, in the wake of the resignation of President Musharraf yesterday, highlighted the grip of Islamic militancy on the region, which has become the key batteground of the west's War on Terror and one of the greatest challenges facing Pakistan's fragile government.

A team of suicide bombers mounted a failed attempt to storm Camp Salerno, the second largest American base in Afghanistan, which lies less than 20 miles from the border with Pakistan. At least six bombers attacked the base, with three detonating their vests and up to 13 militants killed. There were no reports of American casualties.

“A most intense terrorist mass suicide operation was thwarted,” the Afghan defence ministry said in a statement.

Across the border in Peshawar, capital of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province, at least 23 people were killed when a suicide bomber struck a hospital in the city. The dead included civilians and policemen, with up to 35 wounded, according to local police.

The blast is believed to having targeted Shia Muslims, as part of a chain of sectarian attacks in the region. A Shia man shot earlier in the day had been taken to the hospital, where he died of his wounds.

"Dozens of people from the Shia community had gathered at the hospital where the bomb went off," said a district official, Mohsin Shah.


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/worl...icle4565052.ece



Violence in Pakistan after Musharraf resigns

At least 25 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on a hospital in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province.

The attack happened at midday while Shia Muslims gathered at the hospital in Dera Ismail Khan district, after their leader had been shot dead.

There has been more fighting between militants and soldiers in the Bajaur district on the Afghan border.

The violence comes a day after Pervez Musharraf resigned as president.

Meanwhile, Leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition are to meet in Islamabad to discuss who will succeed their long-time opponent, former President Pervez Musharraf.

Mr Musharraf stepped down on Monday after nine years in power to avoid a move by the government to impeach him.

The coalition, led by the parties of the late Benazir Bhutto and ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, held a first, inconclusive round of talks on Monday.

Mr Musharraf was replaced automatically by caretaker President Muhammad Sumroo.

It is unclear whether Mr Musharraf, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1999, will face prosecution now that he is out of power.

http://www.famagusta-gazette.com/default.a...tte&he=.com

agey agey dekhte jao hota hai kiya