Chaudhry calls on lawyers to resist Gen

Washington: Acknowledging that it was aware that President Pervez Musharraf was contemplating an emergency measure and had tried to dissuade him, the US has said it would watch the General’s actions in coming days to decide the course of action, including on the fate of aid and assistance to Islamabad. “… what was told to us that there were the concerns of the Pakistani Government and we were advised that they were contemplating some kind of emergency measure early last week,” a senior White House official said.

Pak promotes judges to meet shortfall

Islamabad: The Pakistan Government has been forced to elevate judges from provincial high courts as most justices of the Supreme Court have refused to endorse the emergency imposed by President Pervez Musharraf and take oath under the new dispensation. The strength of the apex court too has been downsized to make up for the shortage of judges willing to take oath under Musharraf’s Provisional Constitutional Order. Four judges from the high courts of Sindh, NWFP and Baluchistan have been elevated to the apex court.

Suspend Pak from Commonwealth: CHRI

LONDON: Condemning the proclamation of emergency in Pakistan, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has sought suspension of the Islamic Republic from the Councils of Commonwealth for violating democratic principles. “CHRI calls on the Commonwealth to immediately condemn these actions and suspend Pakistan from the Councils of the Commonwealth, while the Commonwealth continues to engage with and support civil society working towards an early return to democracy,” the NGO said.