Violence surrounds political rally in Pakistan
<noinclude>
{{date|May 12, 2007}}
{{Pakistan}}
Violence erupted in [[w:Karachi|Karachi]], [[Pakistan]] as recently suspended [[w:Chief Justices of Pakistan|Chief Justice]] [[w:Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry|Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry]] reached the city to address a rally of supporters.

Clashes erupted in the streets between rival political factions. Members of the pro-government party, [[w:Muttahida Qaumi Movement|Muttahida Qaumi Movement]] (MQM), clashed with supporters of Chaudhry, [[w:Jamaat-e-Islami|Jamaat-e-Islami]] (JI). There are reports of up to 34 people killed in the riots and another 120 injured. Supporters of Chaudhry accused the MQM of initiating the violence, but the MQM has denied the accusation.

Chaudhry had flown in to attend the rally in the city, but was unable to leave Karachi airport due to the violence. After spending several hours at Karachi airport, Chaudhry returned to Islamabad.

In what was considered a controversial move, [[w:President of Pakistan|Pakistani President]] [[Pervez Musharraf]] suspended Chaudhry, March 9, 2007, on charges of misconduct. Critics say that Musharraf removed Chaudhry to put in place a Chief Justice more sympathetic to Musharraf's military-ruled government. There are reports Musharraf will put in a bid later this year to extend his rule by another five-year term and will seek legal support for his actions.

While the unrest in Karachi was taking place, President Musharaff addressed a large pro-government rally in Islamabad where approximately 80,000 people turned out. "This is a historical day... because I haven't been to any gathering where I have seen so many people in support of the government's policies," Musharraf told the crowd.

Musharraf ruled out imposing an emergency in Karachi. "There is absolutely no requirement and absolutely no environment for taking such drastic measure," he said.

==Related news==
*{{Wikinews|title=Chief Justice of Pakistan manhandled, gag order issued by government|date=March 14, 2007}}
*{{Wikinews|title=Protests in Pakistan as Chief Justice appears before judges' panel|date=March 13, 2007}}
*{{wikinews|title=Pakistan's military ruler sacks Chief Justice|date=March 9, 2007}}

==Sources==
*{{source|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/02C3E90B-6D93-4A7C-A9F9-CEA615700E8E.htm
|title=Violence flares in Pakistan
|author=
|pub=Al Jazeera
|date=May 12, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSISL171520070512
|title=Violence erupts over Pakistani judge, 10 dead
|author=Aamir Ashraf
|pub=Reuters
|date=May 12, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6649089.stm
|title=Pakistan judge in 'tense' Karachi
|author=
|pub=BBC News Online
|date=May 12, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://news.monstersandcritics.com/southasia/news/article_1303541.php/At_least_18_killed_in_clashes_in_Karachi__1st_Lead_
|title=At least 18 killed in clashes in Karachi
|author=Deutsche Presse-Agentur
|pub=Monsters and Critics
|date=May 12, 2007}}
{{wikipediapar|Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry}}

{{publish}}

{{Archived}}
[[Category:Politics and conflicts]]
[[Category:Asia]]
[[Category:Pakistan]]
[[Category:Pervez Musharraf]]
[[Category:Sindh]]
[[Category:Karachi]]
[[Category:Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry]]


</noinclude>
Violence erupted in Karachi, Pakistan as recently suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry reached the city to address a rally of supporters.

Clashes erupted in the streets between rival political factions. Members of the pro-government party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), clashed with supporters of Chaudhry, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). There are reports of up to 34 people killed in the riots and another 120 injured. Supporters of Chaudhry accused the MQM of initiating the violence, but the MQM has denied the accusation.

Chaudhry had flown in to attend the rally in the city, but was unable to leave Karachi airport due to the violence. After spending several hours at Karachi airport, Chaudhry returned to Islamabad.

In what was considered a controversial move, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf suspended Chaudhry, March 9, 2007, on charges of misconduct. Critics say that Musharraf removed Chaudhry to put in place a Chief Justice more sympathetic to Musharraf's military-ruled government. There are reports Musharraf will put in a bid later this year to extend his rule by another five-year term and will seek legal support for his actions.

While the unrest in Karachi was taking place, President Musharaff addressed a large pro-government rally in Islamabad where approximately 80,000 people turned out. "This is a historical day... because I haven't been to any gathering where I have seen so many people in support of the government's policies," Musharraf told the crowd.

Musharraf ruled out imposing an emergency in Karachi. "There is absolutely no requirement and absolutely no environment for taking such drastic measure," he said.
Politics and conflicts Asia Pakistan Pervez Musharraf Sindh Karachi Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry