1. Pakistan: Domestic Situation
According to official results, President Pervez Musharraf has won the referendum that allows for his continuation as president for the next five years. Reports in newspapers and by Pakistan's Human Rights Commission have alleged large-scale irregularities in the conduct of the referendum. Meanwhile, President Musharraf has declared that, like the referendum, the age limit of voters for the October elections will be reduced from 21 to 18 years. The Daily Times reports that the government may disqualify large number of political leaders from contesting the October general elections.
"Musharraf gets five-year rule"
"Voters' age-limit reduced to 18"
"Massive irregularities in polling"
"Low turnout, rigging mar referendum: HRCP"
"Govt planning crackdown on political parties"
Commentators writing in the Pakistani press have been highly critical of the referendum.
"Winner or loser?"
"The emperor's new clothes"
"Necessity or freedom"
A strike call by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to protest the killing of two of its leaders led to large-scale disturbances and violence in Karachi. The government has called out army and paramilitary forces to control the situation.
"20 hurt in Karachi blasts, 16 vehicles burnt"
"Army called out to maintain law and order"
The often-delayed hearing of the Daniel Pearl murder case has been shifted from Karachi to Hyderabad due to security concerns.
"Hearing of Pearl case put off"
"Pearl case accused brought to Hyderabad Jail"
"Hearing of Pearl case fixed for tomorrow"
Khalid Ahmed of the Daily Times reviews news and analysis appearing in Pakistan's Urdu press.
"Rascally Bharat and the Islamic world"
"Balancing the great referendum debate"
"The needle of truth in a haystack of political lies"
The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have suggested cutting defense spending to 3.3% of GDP by the year 2003-04.
"Donors demand cut in defense spending"