Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan’s chief justice ordered the release of hundreds of jailed opposition activists Thursday, while President Pervez Musharraf formally jumped into the race for another term despite a candidacy that remains in legal limbo.
The activists had been rounded up in recent days as part of a government crackdown against political parties that are trying to block Musharraf’s quest for another five years in office. Government officials said the arrests were necessary to maintain law and order.
But the opposition asserted that Musharraf was attempting to squelch democratic dissent in advance of Oct. 6 elections that they view as illegitimate.
Government officials said they would comply with Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry’s order to release the prisoners.
The government has acknowledged detaining 200 activists, including senior opposition leaders. Earlier this week, the U.S. Embassy issued a rare rebuke of Musharraf’s government, terming the arrests “extremely disturbing.”
With Islamabad under a lockdown to prevent protests, Musharraf’s supporters formally submitted his nomination papers to run for a new term. Another 42 Pakistanis were also nominated, but only Musharraf is believed to have the necessary votes in the national and provincial assemblies to win.
It remains unclear, however, whether Musharraf will be allowed to run. The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to his candidacy from lawyers who argue that his other job, as army chief, disqualifies him. A decision is expected today.
