1. Pakistan: Domestic Situation
French experts investigating the recent bomb attack in Karachi that killed 11 French nationals believe that Islamic extremist in Pakistan carried out the attack. Pakistan Police has claimed that it has found a clue to the suspects allegedly involved in the suicide bombing. Over 400 people have so far been arrested in connection with the investigations. The government has started cracking down on militant Islamic groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and has arrested its leader Hafiz Saeed. Many illegal, mostly Afghan, immigrants have also been arrested. Kamran Khan's report in the daily News indicates that there were serious lapses in security procedures for the French navy technicians working in Karachi.
"French expert sees domestic elements behind blast"
"Police looking for 3 suspects involved in blast"
"400 held in countrywide crackdown"
"Govt cracks down on Lashkar-e-Taiba"
"Hafiz Saeed arrested"
"Crackdown on illegal immigrants ordered"
"Pre-blast security lapses too many to ignore"
According to a report in the daily News, President Musharraf told his federal cabinet that his "inner self is quite satisfied over the outcome of the referendum as [he] had not ordered such irregularities to be committed." The government has denied the validity of the report. M. P. Bhandara believes that "the referendum was institutionally rigged." Writing for the daily Dawn, Roedad Khan expresses his post-referendum disillusionment with President Musharraf. Afrasiab Khattak, the chief of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, warns that Musharraf's entrenchment in power will worsen human rights situation in the country.
"Referendum 'rigging' dominates cabinet meeting"
"Govt reacts to news report on cabinet"
"Referendum: the day after"
"Written in despair"
"Bleak Prospects for Human Rights"
Khalid Ahmad of the Daily Times reviews stories and analysis carried by the Urdu press in Pakistan.
"Second opinion: Down with the 'Loyal Muhammadans'"
"Second opinion: Feudalism biggest enemy of democracy?"
According to a report published by Madadgaar, a human rights organization, at least 143 children were murdered in Pakistan in the first four months of this year.
"164 children murdered in four months"
Frazana Bari's essay in the daily News examines the anti-women and oppressive nature of Pakistan's Hudood Laws.
"Tyranny of Hudood Laws"