Pakistan Arrests Opposition Heads, Bans Rallies

Police began widespread arrests of opposition leaders and activists in key areas Wednesday and banned political rallies in an apparent effort to block major demonstrations planned for today, Pakistan’s independence day.

It was the first mass political crackdown since martial law was lifted last December.

Benazir Bhutto, leader of the main opposition group, the Pakistan People’s Party, was prevented from coming to Lahore, site of the opposition alliance’s main rally. She was served with an order in Karachi preventing her from entering Punjab province for five days, according to party activists.

Rioting later broke out in a densely populated section of Karachi dominated by Bhutto’s party. Police were reported to be using tear gas in continuing clashes with Pakistan People’s Party activists at nightfall. Scattered clashes also were reported in Lahore. Hundreds of opposition leaders and middle-level workers were reported detained in police sweeps beginning before dawn.

Political rallies and demonstrations were officially banned in Lahore for three days and for as long as two months in other areas of Punjab, Pakistan’s political heartland and home to 60% of its people.

The sudden actions by the government of President Zia ul-Haq and Prime Minister Mohammed Khan Junejo appeared to sharply escalate the test of strength that has been building between the government and opposition parties since Bhutto returned to a tumultuous welcome on April 10.

The political power test unfolded as President Zia was conspicuously absent from the country, on a two-week pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.