Crisis in Pakistan - VOA Story

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's suspension of the nation's chief justice has sparked several months of street protests in Pakistan. The outcry against General Musharraf is the strongest public challenge to his presidency since he took power in a bloodless coup eight years ago. It also comes as Pakistan prepares for legislative elections. The future of Musharraf's regime is now in question. Thousands of protesters demonstrated again Thursday in Lahore, Pakistan in support of the nation's chief justice of the Supreme Court. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf suspended Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry in March amid allegations of misconduct. The suspension has fueled months of street protests, with lawyers and opposition activists who oppose General Musharraf demanding his resignation. The government has responded by cracking down on lawyers, opposition parties and the media. During a recent forum about Pakistan's future (Monday, June 18th) in Washington at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, several speakers said General Musharraf must begin accommodating opposing voices to prevent further chaos. The United States has praised General Musharraf repeatedly, calling him an ally in the war on terror. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte met with the Pakistani president and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz last week. Negroponte offered them U.S. support, but he also urged them to ensure that forthcoming elections are free and fair. General Musharraf, however, appears unwilling to give up his presidency without a struggle. Under Pakistan's constitution, parliament elects the president. General Musharraf has drawn criticism for suggesting he would seek re-election from the current parliament, which endorsed him in 2002.

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YouTube | June 23, 2007

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