World | Pakistan
Pakistan's Musharraf warns against protests
A senior official says his group would try to remove Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf if it wins the elections.
- Agencies
- Published: 12:44 February 15, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's remark that he would not tolerate protests drew criticism from the party of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.
Islamabad: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has warned that he would not tolerate protests after next week's elections and called on parties to "show grace" if they lose.
Musharraf's remark on Thursday drew criticism from the parties of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, and the US State Department.
Musharraf said he was committed to democracy "but not if it leads to the country being declared a failed state." He called on parties to refrain from urging followers to protest.
Opposition parties have threatened to launch street protests if they believe Monday's vote for parliament has been rigged. Musharraf has pledged "free and fair" elections.
A senior official of Bhutto's party said on Friday his group would try to remove Musharraf if it wins the elections.
"The ouster of Musharraf will put Pakistan back on the track of real democracy," said Babar Awan, a member of the central executive council of the Pakistan People's Party.
Related Links
- Musharraf vows tough steps after poll
- Bhutto's widower takes vote battle to key province
- Election result could well prove president's undoing
- Musharraf pledges free, fair elections
- Key opposition leaders promise coalition after general elections
- Pro-Musharraf party predicts it will win elections
- Musharraf confident about elections
In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack criticised Musharraf's suggestion, saying "people have the right to peacefully protest."
News Editor's choice
-
Allies quit ruling coalition in Nepal
Political row could trigger months of street protests and violence
-
Qatar blaze 'started at nursery'
Fire killed 19 including 13 children, at Doha’s main shopping centre
-
Jagan jailed over illegal assets
Andhra Pradesh leader accused of corruption, cheating, conspiracy
