http://www.boston.com/dailynews/117/world/Pakistan_arrests_1_200_in_crac:.shtml

Pakistan arrests 1,200 in crackdown on pro-democracy activists

By Zahid Hussain, Associated Press, 4/27/2001 05:04

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) About 1,200 people have been arrested in a major crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, police and politicians said Friday.

The military government launched the crackdown Thursday, sending police and paramilitary troops to homes and political party headquarters throughout Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital.

The military regime that rules Pakistan launched the crackdown to prevent a pro-democracy rally planned for May 1 in Karachi.

Organized by the Alliance for the Restoration of Democracy, representing 15 political parties in Pakistan, the rally is to press the army to return the nation to democratic rule.

The army took power in Pakistan in October 1999, throwing out the civilian government of Nawaz Sharif and charging him with massive corruption, economic incompetence and mismanagement.

The army sent Sharif into exile in Saudi Arabia after he was found guilty of hijacking and terrorism and sentenced to life in jail.

The military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, has promised to hold general elections by the end of 2002 in keeping with a Supreme Court order. But the alliance is demanding immediate polls.

The military banned public protests and demonstrations almost one year ago. However, several religious groups have defied the ban to hold large gatherings without any interference from the military regime.

Several members of the alliance who have gone into hiding say they will resurface on May 1 to defy the ban and hold the rally.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2001