PAKISTAN : Opposition Unites to Seek Bhutto’s Ouster

Pakistan’s splintered political opposition came together in a loose coalition to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s government. It was the first time since Bhutto returned to power in 1993 that most of Pakistan’s divided opposition agreed to form a united front. Fifteen opposition parties charged the government with gross economic mismanagement and widespread corruption and claimed that Bhutto is driving the country toward bankruptcy. Strikes and protests have paralyzed Pakistan, hurting business and slowing goods production. The opposition has been building momentum against the government since Bhutto unveiled a federal budget last month and introduced sweeping new taxes.