Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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September 29, 2007

Pakistani Police Clash with Opposition Protesters
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=19ACA26:A6F02AD83191E160B810ECC5BF130C079574F7DCC14957C0 Witnesses say
police used batons, tear gas to disperse at least 200 lawyers
protesting President Pervez Musharraf's candidacy in next week's
presidential election





Pakistan lawyers scuffle with police during a clash in Islamabad, 29
Sep 2007Witnesses in Pakistan say police have used batons and tear gas
to disperse at least 200 lawyers protesting President Pervez
Musharraf's candidacy in next week's presidential election.

Protesters clashed with police Saturday as they tried to approach the
Election Commission building from the Supreme Court.

Witnesses said police beat protesters and made several arrests.

The Election Commission today approved only six of 43 candidates who
applied. Along with General Musharraf are his two main challengers -
retired judge Wajihuddin Ahmed and Makhdoom Amin Fahim - the vice
chairman of ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's
Party.

Next Saturday, members of parliament and provincial assemblies will
choose the president.

The Supreme Court Friday dismissed legal challenges to General
Musharraf's bid for a new term, allowing him to run while retaining
his role as army chief.

Lawyers for the opposition said they will appeal the ruling.

The court said the issues raised in the petitions did not fall within
its jurisdiction and should be decided by Pakistan's election
commission.

Anti-government lawyers and opposition supporters outside the court
shouted disapproval after the decision was announced. Prime Minister
Shaukat Aziz welcomed the decision.

President Musharraf has said he will stand down as army chief if he
wins another term in office, but he plans to remain in the post if he
loses.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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