Pakistan: Protests, Crackdowns

US appeals for calm in Pakistan Agence France Presse — Key US diplomats dealing with Pakistan have personally urged the leaders in Islamabad and their opponents to avoid violence amid growing political agitation, a US official has said. "We wanted just to make sure and make clear to everyone that peaceful, democratic activity needs to take place in Pakistan. Violence is something we don't need," State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters Thursday. click to read complete article

Pakistan protest crackdown widens BBC — Authorities in Pakistan's north-west have banned political gatherings and a protest convoy has been halted in Sindh as a crackdown on activists spreads. Dozens of lawyers and political leaders were arrested in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) overnight. click to read complete article

Zardari gets 24-hr ultimatum to end deadlock Times India — Earlier in the day, Pakistan army and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani asked Zardari to go if he does not accept a new deal hatched by them in consultation with foreign powers. The new political deal, backed by Washington, London and the army establishment, has quietly been conveyed to Pakistan PM Gilani, to bring down the political temperature in the country. click to read complete article