General Pervez Musharraf
Clouds Gather As 'sulky' Musharraf Retreats to Bunker
Despite US support, Pakistan's president is isolated in battle for power
Opposition to Unite Against Musharraf
Pakistan's two largest opposition parties step up pressure on President Musharraf to resign
The Thorn in Musharraf's Side
The deposed Pakistan chief justice has been at the center of the president's problems and is now causing friction between opposition parties, writes Mark Tran
Musharraf Pushes Swiss to Prosecute Zardari
Fresh twist in battle for power as corruption case against opposition leader resurrected
Musharraf Vows Not to Resign
President Pervez Musharraf pledges to complete five-year term in defiance of opposition demands that he step down
Rivals Close in As Musharraf Suffers Pakistan Poll Rout
Political endgame looms for Musharraf as party evicted from power and Sharif arrives to negotiate place in new government
Musharraf's Party Admits Defeat
President Pervez Musharraf suffers crushing blow to his authority as his ruling party concedes defeat after a paltry showing in Pakistan's parliamentary elections
Votes Cast in the Shadow of Violence
Musharraf's leading lieutenants appear to have lost their seats in early results in Pakistan election
'Cycle Wallahs' Win the Hearts of City's Poor in Contest of Shifting Loyalties
Musharraf's party faces vote-rigging allegations in key electoral battlefields in Pakistan
On the Campaign Trail the President's Men Steer Clear of Mentioning the M-word
Musharraf's unpopularity is proving uncomfortable for allies near to polling day
'Terrorist' Group Who Turned Out to Be the President's Men
Diplomats have made a humiliating apology to six Pakistani men close to President Pervez Musharraf's ruling elite after they were wrongly arrested at Gatwick on suspicion of terrorist activity, interrogated and held for 21 hours
UK Lacks Counter-terror Policy, Says Musharraf
Pakistani president hits back at British critics· Your Islamist militants are home-grown, Brown told
Autumn of the Patriarch
Leader: President Pervez Musharraf is undoubtedly sincere in his belief that he, and he alone, can save Pakistan from the twin perils of terrorism and anarchy
Questions for Musharraf on Missing Terror Plot Suspect at No 10 Talks
A British terrorism suspect who was said to have escaped in Pakistan last month may still be in the custody of the country's intelligence services, according to his lawyer. Rashid Rauf, from Birmingham, was said to have vanished after two police officers escorting him from court to prison stopped at a roadside mosque and allowed him to pray alone
Musharraf Delays Election By Six Weeks
· Troops will stay on streets to maintain order, he says · Main opposition parties will participate in vote
Loyal for Now, Musharraf Protege Might Yet Turn on His Benefactor
Pakistan drifted deeper into turmoil yesterday with two men sharing the helm: the president, Pervez Musharraf, and the general he appointed to take his place at the head of the army, Ashfaq Kiyani
Musharraf to End Emergency Rule Before Elections
Hours after being inaugurated as a civilian president Pervez Musharraf says he will lift Pakistan's emergency rule a month in advance of general elections
Musharraf Promises to End Emergency Rule By December 16
Opposition boycott likely despite concessions· Lawyers clash with police as president is sworn in
'A Time of Sacrifice'
As Pervez Musharraf was sworn in yesterday, the deposed chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, remained under house arrest less than a mile away. Visitors are forbidden. His family, including a seven-year-old son, are also locked in
Musharraf Sworn in As Civilian President
Pervez Musharraf's begins second five-year term despite continuing political instability
Musharraf 'to Lift Pakistan State of Emergency'
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, is reported to be ready to lift emergency rule in Pakistan, and could announce the move as soon as he is sworn in as a civilian president tomorrow, according to reports.
Musharraf Says an Emotional Farewell
Pakistan President finally quits army after 43 years· Western nations urge swift return to democracy
Musharraf Bows Out to the Strains of Auld Lang Syne
Pakistan's president steps down from his powerful post as the country's military commander
Musharraf Says Farewell to Army
Pakistan's president courts military loyalty crucial to his bid to retain power while bowing to demands to step down as army chief
Sharif Rules Out Musharraf Pact
The former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif today ruled out a power-sharing deal with the president, General Pervez Musharraf
Musharraf Clings on By His Fingertips
Simon Tisdall, world briefing: General Pervez Musharraf's plan to retain power as Pakistan's civilian president is still intact despite weeks of jaw-dropping blunders. But insiders say he will not last long, once a new government is elected and his army ties fade
Musharraf's Troubles Deepen As Sharif Makes Triumphant Return
· Saudi support forces president to let rival stay · Former PM seen as foil to more liberal Bhutto
Musharraf Allows Rival to Return to Pakistan
Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf announces plans to allow Nawaz Sharif to return home tomorrow, amid bombings in Rawalpindi
Musharraf Set to Be Civilian President As Sharif Prepares Return From Long Exile
Pakistan's ruler General Pervez Musharraf will allow his bitter rival, Nawaz Sharif, to return home today, ending seven years of exile in Saudi Arabia, Musharraf's spokesman said
Piling the Pressure on Musharraf
Suspension from the Commonwealth is largely a symbolic move that will not cause President Pervez Musharraf to lose much sleep
Case Dismissed: Behind Barbed Wire, Judges Back Musharraf
Declan Walsh was the only British newspaper journalist to watch Pakistan's supreme court deliver its final verdict on Pervez Musharraf's election victory
Court Rules Musharraf Can Stay on As President
Pakistan's supreme court today ruled against the final legal challenge blocking ratification of General Pervez Musharraf's election as president last month
Musharraf Regime Seeks Commonwealth Amnesty
Grouping of nations asked not to suspend Pakistan's membership at ministerial meeting starting tomorrow
Musharraf to Quit Army - As Soon As Purged Court Rules
Pakistan president to shed his army uniform 'this week', once the supreme court rubber stamps his contested re-election.
Court Dismisses Challenges to Musharraf
Imran Khan begins hunger strike over sacked judges· Planned Saudi visit brings talk of meeting with Sharif
Purged Pakistan Court Upholds Musharraf Election Victory
President sets date for new poll in January, but emergency powers remain in force despite US warning
US Envoy to Musharraf Returns Home With Nothing
John Negroponte, the US deputy secretary of state, flew out of Islamabad after Musharraf, a close ally of the US, rejected his call to end emergency rule, to free political prisoners, resign from his post as army commander and hold free and fair elections in January
Musharraf Widens His Sphere of Punishment
US envoy urges Pakistan's president to lift state of emergency as thousands more are detained
Musharraf Faces Us Pressure to End Emergency Rule
President Pervez Musharraf today swore in a new prime minister as a senior US official arrived in Pakistan to urge him to lift emergency rule
Musharraf Appoints Ally As Caretaker Prime Minister
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, today appointed a close ally as caretaker prime minister to oversee parliamentary elections in January.
Musharraf to Announce Caretaker Government
The Pakistani president was poised today to announce a caretaker government ahead of parliamentary elections that opposition parties have threatened to boycott
General's Last Stand
World briefing: Like General George Custer, General Pervez Musharraf has got himself surrounded - and is looking for a way out
Khan Arrested Under Terror Laws As Musharraf Defends Crackdown
Ex-cricketer held after coming out of hiding· President says he may step down as army chief soon
His Bridges Burned, Musharraf Has Nowhere to Turn
Pakistan's Musharraf era could be in its death throes with the general facing a united domestic opposition and increasing skepticism from the US, writes Mark Tran
Musharraf Defends Emergency Rule Decision
General Pervez Musharraf today launched a media offensive to defend his declaration of emergency rule as the best way of countering rising militancy in Pakistan.
Musharraf Tightens Grip on Power: Thousands of Riot Police and Mass Arrests to Stop Protest
Shutdown of city and 5,000 detained· Bhutto still considers a deal with president
News Media Feels Force of Musharraf Crackdown
Pakistan's media is coming under intense pressure from General Musharraf's heavy-handed security forces - both officially and unofficially.
Ex-chief Justice Urges Lawyers to Rise Up Against Musharraf
Cabinet meets to consider delaying January elections· Street protests wane as riot police crush dissent
The Tough Guy Outsider Who Loves to Be in Control
A few days after taking power in the autumn of 1999, General Pervez Musharraf called his first press conference in the garden of Army House, the colonial era mini-mansion which is the residence of the commander of the world's second largest Muslim state's land-based armed forces.
The Thorn in Musharraf's Side
There is a reason why Pakistan's chief justice is under house arrest: he represents the biggest challenge to General Musharraf's authority, writes Mark Tran
Musharraf Snubbed Brown and Rice on Emergency Rule
Communications broken off after pledge to hold election.
Fear and Brutality Inside the Fiefdom of Islamist Shock Jock
Gen Musharraf used the violent turmoil in the Swat valley as a reason for a state of emergency. Declan Walsh reports from Iman Dheri, on the front line in Pakistan's war on Islamist extremism.
Musharraf Warned: Hold Elections and Quit As Army Chief
Envoys to spell out ultimatum in talks today in Pakistan.
Court Speeds Up Musharraf Election Challenge
Judge says political turmoil means president's legitimacy must be decided quickly.
Bhutto Prepares Return As Musharraf Awaits Court Ruling
Supporters of Benazir Bhutto are preparing for her return to Pakistan, as a decision looms on the fate of General Pervezguard Musharraf's rule.
Insurgents Step Up Fight After Musharraf's Hollow Poll Win
Gun battles raged in Pakistan's tribal belt yesterday as the political system was thrust into limbo after President Pervez Musharraf's controversial election victory on Saturday.
Musharraf Wins But Faces Fight for Power
Pakistan's president has secured another five years in office, but life for half his countrymen remains a daily battle for survival.
Court Blocks Musharraf's Path to Re-election As Pakistani President
Vote to proceed but judges delay result declaration· Ruling may result in general's disqualification
Musharraf and Bhutto Close to Power-sharing Deal in Pakistan
Exiled Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto edged closer to a power-sharing deal with President Pervez Musharraf last night as tomorrow's presidential election approached.
Musharraf Clears Way to Be Elected Civilian President
Pakistan's spy chief to be new head of army· Sleaze charges against Bhutto will be quashed
Pakistan Names Musharraf Army Successor
A former Pakistani intelligence chief has been named to replace President Pervez Musharraf as head of the army after this weekend's presidential election, state television reported today.
Supreme Court Says Musharraf Can Stand
· Pakistan's opposition now unlikely to halt re-election· Further rallies and new legal challenge promised
Chief Justice Orders Musharraf to Release Opposition Activists
Government ordered to give reason for crackdown· President awaits key court ruling on re-election bid
A General in Civvies
Leader: General Pervez Musharraf's strategy for survival has finally become clear, after months of political turmoil in Pakistan.
MPs Threaten Mass Resignation Over Musharraf
Pakistan's opposition parties were today scathing of General Pervez Musharraf's plans to give up his military post if he is re-elected president.
Musharraf Ready to Quit Army, Says Aide, But Obstacles Pile Up
· Key demand of self-exiled opposition leader Bhutto · Supreme court to hear six challenges to re-election
Ex-Pakistan Pm Tries to Outwit Musharraf With Multiple Flights
Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has booked himself on five different flights to the country next week to counter government efforts to thwart his return.
Bhutto Close to Deal With Musharraf
President agrees to quit army and drop graft charges against exiled leaders.
Musharraf 'to Quit As Army Chief'
Exiled former prime minister Benazir Bhutto extracts power-sharing deal requiring president to drop military role.
Musharraf Denies Need for State of Emergency and Calls for Free Elections
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, poured cold water on speculation that he was planning a state of emergency yesterday.
Musharraf Rules Out State of Emergency in Pakistan
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, has decided not to impose a state of emergency, a government spokesman said today, cooling frenzied speculation that an authoritarian crackdown was imminent.
Musharraf Considers State of Emergency in Pakistan
Pakistan's embattled president, Pervez Musharraf, met with senior advisers this morning to consider imposing a state of emergency, a government spokesman said.
Musharraf Opponents Cheer Legal Victory
Pakistan court sides with sacked chief justice - President under pressure after unique ruling
Musharraf Opponents Celebrate Legal Victory
Pakistan court sides with sacked chief justice - President under pressure after unique ruling
Terror and Political Crisis Beset Musharraf
Court may decide today on fate of sacked chief justice - Bombs kill further 36 in latest bout of violence
Musharraf's Plane Targeted By Gunman
Attack comes as siege of Red Mosque intensifies - Suicide bomber kills six soldiers in north-west
Isolated Musharraf Suspends Media Curbs As Anger Grows
Pakistan's president hits out at disloyal colleagues - Analysts fear emergency rule may be imposed
Musharraf Closes Tv Stations As Democracy Calls Grow
President Pervez Musharraf has cracked down on Pakistan's television networks in a move against growing calls for a return to democracy.
Musharraf Bans Political Rivals From Elections
Pakistan's political crisis deepened today when President Pervez Musharraf and his main rival, Benazir Bhutto, dismissed the possibility of a power-sharing deal.
Is Musharraf Dispensible?
After almost eight years of smartly pressed, barely legitimate uniformed rule from his colonial-era residence in Rawalpindi, General Musharraf is fast shedding friends at home and abroad. By Simon Tisdall
Brothel Raid By Female Islamists Heaps Pressure on Musharraf
Female Islamist students wearing burkas raided a brothel and were holding the alleged owner inside their fundamentalist madrasa last night in the latest assault by extremists on President Pervez Musharraf's bruised authority.
Musharraf Vows to Stay Out of Top Judge's Trial
President Pervez Musharraf has promised not to interfere with the disciplinary case against Pakistan's top judge that has captivated the nation.
Lawyers Clash With Riot Police Over Musharraf's Removal of Chief Justice
Lawyers clashed violently with police and boycotted Pakistan's courts yesterday as protest grew over the ousting of the country's top judge.
Musharraf Confronts Militants in Standoff Over Religious School
Students occupy library in protest at demolition plan - Madrasa for 7,000 built illegally on public land
Musharraf Offers Kashmir 'solution'
Pakistan could be willing to give up its claim to Kashmir if India agrees to a self-government plan for the bitterly disputed Himalayan region, Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, said today.
Musharraf Urges New Approach in Afghanistan
Blair told to aid neglected Afghan economy · British fear counter-attack by Taliban in Helmand
Suicide Blast Kills 42 Pakistani Soldiers
A huge suicide bomb ripped through a Pakistani military camp today, killing 42 soldiers and wounding 20 more in a dramatic escalation of hostilities between President Pervez Musharraf and militant tribesmen.
Musharraf Faces New Questions Over Taliban
· Pakistani president to meet British commander · Reports claim intelligence agency helps militants
Bush Referees As Karzai and Musharraf Meet for Dinner
President George Bush said yesterday that he would act as referee at a working dinner at the White House between the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan as public bickering between the two men threatens to destabilise the US "war on terror".
Like Musharraf, Thai General Just Can't Let Go
Army commanders who seize political power by force often have the best intentions. But once installed they find it hard to let go.
Bush Reaches Out to Musharraf to Shore Up Shaky Alliance
· President calls Pakistan leader ally against terror · Mutual praise despite claims of bombing threat
Bush Threatened to Bomb Pakistan, Says Musharraf
The Bush administration threatened to bomb Pakistan 'back to the stone age' after the September 11 attacks if the country did not cooperate with America's war on Afghanistan, it emerged yesterday.
Britain Pleads With Musharraf to Spare Tourist Condemned to Hang
The new Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, will make a personal plea this week to President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to spare the life of a Briton facing execution for a murder for which he has already been acquitted once.
A Failing Friendship
Washington propped up Musharraf because he could help catch Osama. Now the general's sinking. By Peter Preston
It's a Rocky Relationship, But Us Still Needs Islamabad
When America's world changed after 9/11, President Pervez Musharraf adapted faster than most. By Simon Tisdall
Exclusive Interview: General Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan
· General says US air strikes infringe sovereignty · President denies running military dictatorship
We Need More, Says Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf, the president of Pakistan, today accused the international community of double standards in not doing more to help the survivors of the Kashmir earthquake.
Why this turnaround?
Pakistani Army chief Pervez Musharraf is a master tactician who carefully plots his every move. Had he been genuinely moved by India's humanitarian concern, he would not have mocked at New Delhi's offer to deploy Indian Air Force helicopters on rescue and relief missions in the occupied territory. Special report from Vipin Agnihotri
Musharraf Warns The US
Musharraf is frustrated with India's growing nuclear power. But what can he do?
Say sorry, Mr. President
Back home, General Musharraf will have to engage in a lot of damage control. The best course of action for him though would be an honest apology to the women of Pakistan.
Fury over Musharraf's 'cry rape, get rich' claim
The president of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, came under fire from human rights groups, international statesmen and media in his own country after suggesting that crying rape was an easy way to "be a millionaire" and get to Canada.
Death for Musharraf Attackers
A military court in Pakistan has sentenced a soldier and four civilians to death for their part in an attempt to assassinate President Pervez Musharraf on Christmas Day 2003.
Pakistan Tests Cruise Missiles
Pakistan test-fired its first cruise missile on President Pervez Musharraf's 62nd birthday yesterday, in the latest escalation of the arms race with rival India.
Musharraf Takes Fright at Plan for Morality Police in Radical Province
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf launched a last-ditch court attempt yesterday to quash a proposed law creating a Taliban-like morality police in the conservative Northwest Frontier Province.
Musharraf 's Terrorist Claims Are Dismissed
President Pervez Musharraf's declaration that he has "completely shattered" al-Qaida in Pakistan was met yesterday with deep scepticism from diplomats, analysts and opposition politicians.
Musharraf Accepts Indian Invitation to Watch Cricket
General Pervez Musharraf, the president of Pakistan, yesterday accepted an offer from the Indian government to watch the current test series between the fractious neighbours, although an administrative error meant that what could turn out to be a new era of cricket diplomacy, nearly did not happen.
Musharraf: Al-qaida is on the Run
The Pakistani president said last night that the US 'war on terror' had failed to address core problems, and that the world was in consequence a far less safe place.
Bin Laden Trail is Cold, Musharraf Admits
Pakistani leader admits impasse as US offers deal to Taliban.
Pakistan President Retains Army Post
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, yesterday reneged on a promise to stand down as army chief at the end of the year. In a setback for Pakistan's transition from military government to democracy, Gen Musharraf decided to remain both president and chief of staff, though there...
Pakistan Allowed Back Into the Fold
Commonwealth boost for Musharraf.
Musharraf Pleads for Anti-terror Funds
The Iraq war has taken money away from the hunt for al-Qaida and the Taliban, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan told an Australian television programme last night. Operations against remnants of the groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan's border provinces had been starved of resources...
Musharraf Forced Scientist to Retire
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, has said he forced the disgraced founder of the country's nuclear programme into early retirement three years ago after suspecting him of selling nuclear secrets to other countries. Last week Abdul Qadeer Khan accepted sole responsibility for sales...
Musharraf Knew I Was Selling Secrets, Says Nuclear Scientist
The disgraced founder of Pakistan's nuclear programme has informed investigators that he supplied rogue states with nuclear technology with the full knowledge of the country's ruling military elite.
Pakistan Attacks Traffic in 'nuclear Secrets'
General Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistani President, yesterday called on international investigators to probe an illegal underground traffic in nuclear secrets which he said stretched from Asia to Europe. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Musharraf, who has...
Musharraf and Vajpayee Pledge Peaceful Links
The leaders of Pakistan and India, meeting yesterday for the first time since their countries almost went to war two years ago, promised to restore normal relations President Pervez Musharraf and the Indian prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, shook hands and held talks with a retinue of...
Confidence Votes Tighten Musharraf's Grip on Pakistan
General to stay in office until 2007 with backing of Islamists.
Pakistan: the West's Soft Centre
If Musharraf is assassinated, the war on terror will also be a victim. Here is one terrorist threat even Tony Blair doesn't need to vamp up. It is self-evidently real and ominously recurrent. If, one day soon, it claims its target, then the world of Bush and Blair - plus their so-called war against Osama and chums - will be rocked to its core.
Security Device Saved Pakistan's President
Electronic jammer in car delayed blast by crucial seconds. An electronic jamming device installed in the limousine of President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan delayed a remote controlled explosion on a road bridge by seconds, allowing him to escape with his life, intelligence officials said yesterday.
Pakistan's Leader Escapes Murder 'by a Minute'
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf narrowly escaped assassination yesterday when a bomb destroyed a road bridge moments after his motorcade passed under. The blast was at least the third attempt on the life of a leader whose pro-American stance has enraged dozens of extremist Islamist...
Pakistan offers ceasefire
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, yesterday offered an immediate cease-fire along the disputed and heavily militarised border that divides the part of Kashmir ruled by India from that controlled by Pakistan.
Extra Troops Must Fill Vacuum Beyond Kabul to Quell Warlords, Warns Musharraf
The Pakistani president, Pervez Musharraf, called yesterday for a huge expansion of the international force in Afghanistan to fill the growing vacuum outside Kabul. General Musharraf, who was speaking to journalists in London, estimated that the force needed to be increased from the...
Musharraf's Looming Legal Headache
Pakistan's president appears to be settled in power, but a growing row could change all that. Rory McCarthy explains.
Moderate Musharraf Loyalist Elected Pakistan's New Prime Minister
Pakistan's new parliament elected Zafarullah Khan Jamali, a moderate known for his unswerving loyalty to the military regime, as prime minister yesterday.
Musharraf Knew Better
Long-term stability in Pakistan will not be achieved by military rule, however it is disguised. Elections, as General Pervez Musharraf knows, can be unpredictable things. That is why he took such pains to ensure that yesterday's elections in Pakistan - the first since he seized power three years ago - produced no unpleasant surprises.
Musharraf Keeps His Hands on the Reins
Warning to next PM as Pakistan goes to the polls.
Musharraf Accused of Rigging Pakistan's General Election
Tomorrow's vote puts promises of democracy to test.
Musharraf Regime 'is Rigging Election'
Pakistan's military regime is using its officials and secret service agents to try to ensure that its political supporters win the crucial general elections next month, the Guardian has learned. Western diplomats and election observers are worried by evidence of what opposition...
Musharraf faces storm on mission to Bangladesh
National strikes as Pakistan tries to heal wounds of 1971 war. Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, flew into Bangladesh yesterday under tight security in a new attempt to bring to an end to three decades of bitter recriminations from the 1971 war of independence.
Rory Mccarthy: By Order of the General
The west has gone along with Musharraf's dictatorial regime. But Pakistan's voters may not. Nearly three years ago, Pakistan's army chief General Pervez Musharraf led a strangely popular coup. There were no tanks on the streets, not a single shot was fired and no blood was spilt.
The general's elections
A raft of controversial constitutional amendments suggests that President Musharraf is not taking any chances ahead of Pakistan's first 'free' national poll in three years of military rule, writes Rory McCarthy.
Musharraf Sacks General to Bolster Power
Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, has sidelined a senior general in his powerful intelligence agency after coming under intense pressure to admit a presidential referendum which he won was heavily rigged. Major-General Ehtesham Zamir, the head of the political wing of...
Musharraf Appeals Against Islamic Banking
Pakistan's military government is desperately trying to stall attempts by the religious right wing to Islamise the country's economy by banning all interest payments, writes Rory McCarthy.
Islamists put Musharraf on notice
Dozens of hardline clerics and militant Islamist fighters defied President Pervez Musharraf's attempt to end Pakistan's support of the guerrilla war in Kashmir yesterday, accusing him of betrayal.
I don't want to start a war, says Musharraf
US steps up peace efforts as envoys fly in. The US launched an urgent new attempt yesterday to prevent war between India and Pakistan as General Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistani president, promised he wanted peace on the subcontinent.
Musharraf 'will Not Start War'
· US envoy optimistic
· Pakistan plays down Indian offer
· 'Sporadic' gunfire overnight
Musharraf treads a fragile line of control
At a series of Pakistani government meetings two weeks ago General Pervez Musharraf issued an order to stop Islamist militants crossing the line of control that divides Kashmir. The armed forces have long given covert support to the militants.
Musharraf Renews Call for Peace Talks
Pakistan's military leader General Pervez Musharraf challenged India yesterday to agree to "unconditional" talks in the hope of averting a devastating war on the subcontinent. Gen Musharraf flew to Almaty, in Kazakhstan, yesterday for a regional security summit which the Indian prime...
Risk-taker Musharraf Prepares to Show His Hand
Pakistani leader juggles support for militants with threat of 'surgical' attack from nuclear rival.
For Musharraf, Being Decisive is Not an Option
Pakistan's Islamism is a real obstacle in the general's path.
Musharraf 'may Redeploy Troops to Indian Border'
With one million men and arsenals of nuclear weapons already facing each other across the disputed region of Kashmir, Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, said today he was considering redeploying troops from their positions on the Afghan border to the border with India...
Pakistan's Stark Warning
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, last night defied intense international pressure to defuse the crisis in Kashmir when he used a nationwide speech to champion the cause of Islamic militants and warn that his army would "shed the last drop of blood" to defend his nation. In...
Musharraf: We Will Not Start a War
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, today criticised Indian "war hysteria" and insisted his country would not be the one to initiate war between the nuclear neighbours. In a crucial televised address to his nation, General Musharraf interrupted his Urdu-language speech to address the...
Pakistan Leader Acts to Curb Power of Parties
Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, said yesterday he had won a 'heavy mandate' from the people in his much-criticised referendum and would now bring in reforms to curb the power of future elected politicians. Musharraf made it clear he intends to stay on as president for...
Pakistan Promised a General's Election
May 3: General Musharraf wants legitimacy, but his referendum endorsement is being heavily scrutinised and opposition parties are gearing up for a fight, writes Rory McCarthy.
Flawed Referendum Gives Musharraf Victory
Pakistan's military regime yesterday declared victory in its widely criticised presidential referendum, claiming a "massive" turnout in support of General Pervez Musharraf. Releasing the final result, the chief elections officer said nearly 98% of votes cast were in favour of Gen...
Referendum Endorses Musharraf
Pakistan's military leader, General Pervez Musharraf, is to serve another five years in office after winning a referendum to endorse his rule. The general, who seized power in a coup in 1999, had been relying on the referendum to give him a mandate to continue with economic and political...
Seeking credibility
General Pervez Musharraf has become the third Pakistani military ruler to turn to a referendum to endorse his position as president.
Musharraf Basks in a Foregone Triumph
Pakistan's military leader, General Pervez Musharraf, yesterday confidently predicted a sweeping victory in a referendum which is expected to endorse his rule as president for another five years. As the first votes were counted last night, his aides said the turnout was "unprecedented"...
Pakistan Goes to Polls in Leadership Vote
Pakistanis voted today on whether to endorse their military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, for five more years as president and to give him a mandate to pursue controversial policies, including a crackdown on Islamic militants and backing for the US war on terrorism. Opposition leaders...
Musharraf Risks Credibility in Drive for Election Win
Rivals call for boycott of Pakistani referendum
Musharraf Threatens Media Freedom
The increased friction between Pakistan's president and the country's journalists does not augur well for the lead-up to the October elections, writes Rory McCarthy.
Musharraf Ready to Use Nuclear Arms
General Musharraf raised tensions with India with a stark warning yesterday that he is prepared to use nuclear weapons in the event of war.
'Another Ruse to Rule'
Gen Musharraf's plans to hold a referendum on his leadership appear to be taking Pakistan still further from its founding father's vision, says Rory McCarthy.
Musharraf Flies in to Back New Kabul Regime
Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, finally drew a line under his country's embarrassing support for the Taliban yesterday by flying to Kabul for the first time to give his personal backing to Afghanistan's interim leader, Hamid Karzai. Gen Musharraf said he "made it...
Musharraf strikes a blow in propaganda war
Perhaps the single biggest strength of Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf is his adroitness as a diplomat. He comes across as frank in his occasional national television addresses and gently outmanoeuvred his rival, the Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, last week with...
The deposed Pakistan chief justice has been at the center of the president's problems and is now causing friction between opposition parties, writes Mark Tran
Musharraf Pushes Swiss to Prosecute Zardari
Fresh twist in battle for power as corruption case against opposition leader resurrected
Musharraf Vows Not to Resign
President Pervez Musharraf pledges to complete five-year term in defiance of opposition demands that he step down
Rivals Close in As Musharraf Suffers Pakistan Poll Rout
Political endgame looms for Musharraf as party evicted from power and Sharif arrives to negotiate place in new government
Musharraf's Party Admits Defeat
President Pervez Musharraf suffers crushing blow to his authority as his ruling party concedes defeat after a paltry showing in Pakistan's parliamentary elections
Votes Cast in the Shadow of Violence
Musharraf's leading lieutenants appear to have lost their seats in early results in Pakistan election
'Cycle Wallahs' Win the Hearts of City's Poor in Contest of Shifting Loyalties
Musharraf's party faces vote-rigging allegations in key electoral battlefields in Pakistan
On the Campaign Trail the President's Men Steer Clear of Mentioning the M-word
Musharraf's unpopularity is proving uncomfortable for allies near to polling day
'Terrorist' Group Who Turned Out to Be the President's Men
Diplomats have made a humiliating apology to six Pakistani men close to President Pervez Musharraf's ruling elite after they were wrongly arrested at Gatwick on suspicion of terrorist activity, interrogated and held for 21 hours
UK Lacks Counter-terror Policy, Says Musharraf
Pakistani president hits back at British critics· Your Islamist militants are home-grown, Brown told
Autumn of the Patriarch
Leader: President Pervez Musharraf is undoubtedly sincere in his belief that he, and he alone, can save Pakistan from the twin perils of terrorism and anarchy
Questions for Musharraf on Missing Terror Plot Suspect at No 10 Talks
A British terrorism suspect who was said to have escaped in Pakistan last month may still be in the custody of the country's intelligence services, according to his lawyer. Rashid Rauf, from Birmingham, was said to have vanished after two police officers escorting him from court to prison stopped at a roadside mosque and allowed him to pray alone
Musharraf Delays Election By Six Weeks
· Troops will stay on streets to maintain order, he says · Main opposition parties will participate in vote
Loyal for Now, Musharraf Protege Might Yet Turn on His Benefactor
Pakistan drifted deeper into turmoil yesterday with two men sharing the helm: the president, Pervez Musharraf, and the general he appointed to take his place at the head of the army, Ashfaq Kiyani
Musharraf to End Emergency Rule Before Elections
Hours after being inaugurated as a civilian president Pervez Musharraf says he will lift Pakistan's emergency rule a month in advance of general elections
Musharraf Promises to End Emergency Rule By December 16
Opposition boycott likely despite concessions· Lawyers clash with police as president is sworn in
'A Time of Sacrifice'
As Pervez Musharraf was sworn in yesterday, the deposed chief justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, remained under house arrest less than a mile away. Visitors are forbidden. His family, including a seven-year-old son, are also locked in
Musharraf Sworn in As Civilian President
Pervez Musharraf's begins second five-year term despite continuing political instability
Musharraf 'to Lift Pakistan State of Emergency'
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, is reported to be ready to lift emergency rule in Pakistan, and could announce the move as soon as he is sworn in as a civilian president tomorrow, according to reports.
Musharraf Says an Emotional Farewell
Pakistan President finally quits army after 43 years· Western nations urge swift return to democracy
Musharraf Bows Out to the Strains of Auld Lang Syne
Pakistan's president steps down from his powerful post as the country's military commander
Musharraf Says Farewell to Army
Pakistan's president courts military loyalty crucial to his bid to retain power while bowing to demands to step down as army chief
Sharif Rules Out Musharraf Pact
The former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif today ruled out a power-sharing deal with the president, General Pervez Musharraf
Musharraf Clings on By His Fingertips
Simon Tisdall, world briefing: General Pervez Musharraf's plan to retain power as Pakistan's civilian president is still intact despite weeks of jaw-dropping blunders. But insiders say he will not last long, once a new government is elected and his army ties fade
Musharraf's Troubles Deepen As Sharif Makes Triumphant Return
· Saudi support forces president to let rival stay · Former PM seen as foil to more liberal Bhutto
Musharraf Allows Rival to Return to Pakistan
Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf announces plans to allow Nawaz Sharif to return home tomorrow, amid bombings in Rawalpindi
Musharraf Set to Be Civilian President As Sharif Prepares Return From Long Exile
Pakistan's ruler General Pervez Musharraf will allow his bitter rival, Nawaz Sharif, to return home today, ending seven years of exile in Saudi Arabia, Musharraf's spokesman said
Piling the Pressure on Musharraf
Suspension from the Commonwealth is largely a symbolic move that will not cause President Pervez Musharraf to lose much sleep
Case Dismissed: Behind Barbed Wire, Judges Back Musharraf
Declan Walsh was the only British newspaper journalist to watch Pakistan's supreme court deliver its final verdict on Pervez Musharraf's election victory
Court Rules Musharraf Can Stay on As President
Pakistan's supreme court today ruled against the final legal challenge blocking ratification of General Pervez Musharraf's election as president last month
Musharraf Regime Seeks Commonwealth Amnesty
Grouping of nations asked not to suspend Pakistan's membership at ministerial meeting starting tomorrow
Musharraf to Quit Army - As Soon As Purged Court Rules
Pakistan president to shed his army uniform 'this week', once the supreme court rubber stamps his contested re-election.
Court Dismisses Challenges to Musharraf
Imran Khan begins hunger strike over sacked judges· Planned Saudi visit brings talk of meeting with Sharif
Purged Pakistan Court Upholds Musharraf Election Victory
President sets date for new poll in January, but emergency powers remain in force despite US warning
US Envoy to Musharraf Returns Home With Nothing
John Negroponte, the US deputy secretary of state, flew out of Islamabad after Musharraf, a close ally of the US, rejected his call to end emergency rule, to free political prisoners, resign from his post as army commander and hold free and fair elections in January
Musharraf Widens His Sphere of Punishment
US envoy urges Pakistan's president to lift state of emergency as thousands more are detained
Musharraf Faces Us Pressure to End Emergency Rule
President Pervez Musharraf today swore in a new prime minister as a senior US official arrived in Pakistan to urge him to lift emergency rule
Musharraf Appoints Ally As Caretaker Prime Minister
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, today appointed a close ally as caretaker prime minister to oversee parliamentary elections in January.
Musharraf to Announce Caretaker Government
The Pakistani president was poised today to announce a caretaker government ahead of parliamentary elections that opposition parties have threatened to boycott
General's Last Stand
World briefing: Like General George Custer, General Pervez Musharraf has got himself surrounded - and is looking for a way out
Khan Arrested Under Terror Laws As Musharraf Defends Crackdown
Ex-cricketer held after coming out of hiding· President says he may step down as army chief soon
His Bridges Burned, Musharraf Has Nowhere to Turn
Pakistan's Musharraf era could be in its death throes with the general facing a united domestic opposition and increasing skepticism from the US, writes Mark Tran
Musharraf Defends Emergency Rule Decision
General Pervez Musharraf today launched a media offensive to defend his declaration of emergency rule as the best way of countering rising militancy in Pakistan.
Musharraf Tightens Grip on Power: Thousands of Riot Police and Mass Arrests to Stop Protest
Shutdown of city and 5,000 detained· Bhutto still considers a deal with president
News Media Feels Force of Musharraf Crackdown
Pakistan's media is coming under intense pressure from General Musharraf's heavy-handed security forces - both officially and unofficially.
Ex-chief Justice Urges Lawyers to Rise Up Against Musharraf
Cabinet meets to consider delaying January elections· Street protests wane as riot police crush dissent
The Tough Guy Outsider Who Loves to Be in Control
A few days after taking power in the autumn of 1999, General Pervez Musharraf called his first press conference in the garden of Army House, the colonial era mini-mansion which is the residence of the commander of the world's second largest Muslim state's land-based armed forces.
The Thorn in Musharraf's Side
There is a reason why Pakistan's chief justice is under house arrest: he represents the biggest challenge to General Musharraf's authority, writes Mark Tran
Musharraf Snubbed Brown and Rice on Emergency Rule
Communications broken off after pledge to hold election.
Fear and Brutality Inside the Fiefdom of Islamist Shock Jock
Gen Musharraf used the violent turmoil in the Swat valley as a reason for a state of emergency. Declan Walsh reports from Iman Dheri, on the front line in Pakistan's war on Islamist extremism.
Musharraf Warned: Hold Elections and Quit As Army Chief
Envoys to spell out ultimatum in talks today in Pakistan.
Court Speeds Up Musharraf Election Challenge
Judge says political turmoil means president's legitimacy must be decided quickly.
Bhutto Prepares Return As Musharraf Awaits Court Ruling
Supporters of Benazir Bhutto are preparing for her return to Pakistan, as a decision looms on the fate of General Pervezguard Musharraf's rule.
Insurgents Step Up Fight After Musharraf's Hollow Poll Win
Gun battles raged in Pakistan's tribal belt yesterday as the political system was thrust into limbo after President Pervez Musharraf's controversial election victory on Saturday.
Musharraf Wins But Faces Fight for Power
Pakistan's president has secured another five years in office, but life for half his countrymen remains a daily battle for survival.
Court Blocks Musharraf's Path to Re-election As Pakistani President
Vote to proceed but judges delay result declaration· Ruling may result in general's disqualification
Musharraf and Bhutto Close to Power-sharing Deal in Pakistan
Exiled Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto edged closer to a power-sharing deal with President Pervez Musharraf last night as tomorrow's presidential election approached.
Musharraf Clears Way to Be Elected Civilian President
Pakistan's spy chief to be new head of army· Sleaze charges against Bhutto will be quashed
Pakistan Names Musharraf Army Successor
A former Pakistani intelligence chief has been named to replace President Pervez Musharraf as head of the army after this weekend's presidential election, state television reported today.
Supreme Court Says Musharraf Can Stand
· Pakistan's opposition now unlikely to halt re-election· Further rallies and new legal challenge promised
Chief Justice Orders Musharraf to Release Opposition Activists
Government ordered to give reason for crackdown· President awaits key court ruling on re-election bid
A General in Civvies
Leader: General Pervez Musharraf's strategy for survival has finally become clear, after months of political turmoil in Pakistan.
MPs Threaten Mass Resignation Over Musharraf
Pakistan's opposition parties were today scathing of General Pervez Musharraf's plans to give up his military post if he is re-elected president.
Musharraf Ready to Quit Army, Says Aide, But Obstacles Pile Up
· Key demand of self-exiled opposition leader Bhutto · Supreme court to hear six challenges to re-election
Ex-Pakistan Pm Tries to Outwit Musharraf With Multiple Flights
Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has booked himself on five different flights to the country next week to counter government efforts to thwart his return.
Bhutto Close to Deal With Musharraf
President agrees to quit army and drop graft charges against exiled leaders.
Musharraf 'to Quit As Army Chief'
Exiled former prime minister Benazir Bhutto extracts power-sharing deal requiring president to drop military role.
Musharraf Denies Need for State of Emergency and Calls for Free Elections
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, poured cold water on speculation that he was planning a state of emergency yesterday.
Musharraf Rules Out State of Emergency in Pakistan
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, has decided not to impose a state of emergency, a government spokesman said today, cooling frenzied speculation that an authoritarian crackdown was imminent.
Musharraf Considers State of Emergency in Pakistan
Pakistan's embattled president, Pervez Musharraf, met with senior advisers this morning to consider imposing a state of emergency, a government spokesman said.
Musharraf Opponents Cheer Legal Victory
Pakistan court sides with sacked chief justice - President under pressure after unique ruling
Musharraf Opponents Celebrate Legal Victory
Pakistan court sides with sacked chief justice - President under pressure after unique ruling
Terror and Political Crisis Beset Musharraf
Court may decide today on fate of sacked chief justice - Bombs kill further 36 in latest bout of violence
Musharraf's Plane Targeted By Gunman
Attack comes as siege of Red Mosque intensifies - Suicide bomber kills six soldiers in north-west
Isolated Musharraf Suspends Media Curbs As Anger Grows
Pakistan's president hits out at disloyal colleagues - Analysts fear emergency rule may be imposed
Musharraf Closes Tv Stations As Democracy Calls Grow
President Pervez Musharraf has cracked down on Pakistan's television networks in a move against growing calls for a return to democracy.
Musharraf Bans Political Rivals From Elections
Pakistan's political crisis deepened today when President Pervez Musharraf and his main rival, Benazir Bhutto, dismissed the possibility of a power-sharing deal.
Is Musharraf Dispensible?
After almost eight years of smartly pressed, barely legitimate uniformed rule from his colonial-era residence in Rawalpindi, General Musharraf is fast shedding friends at home and abroad. By Simon Tisdall
Brothel Raid By Female Islamists Heaps Pressure on Musharraf
Female Islamist students wearing burkas raided a brothel and were holding the alleged owner inside their fundamentalist madrasa last night in the latest assault by extremists on President Pervez Musharraf's bruised authority.
Musharraf Vows to Stay Out of Top Judge's Trial
President Pervez Musharraf has promised not to interfere with the disciplinary case against Pakistan's top judge that has captivated the nation.
Lawyers Clash With Riot Police Over Musharraf's Removal of Chief Justice
Lawyers clashed violently with police and boycotted Pakistan's courts yesterday as protest grew over the ousting of the country's top judge.
Musharraf Confronts Militants in Standoff Over Religious School
Students occupy library in protest at demolition plan - Madrasa for 7,000 built illegally on public land
Musharraf Offers Kashmir 'solution'
Pakistan could be willing to give up its claim to Kashmir if India agrees to a self-government plan for the bitterly disputed Himalayan region, Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, said today.
Musharraf Urges New Approach in Afghanistan
Blair told to aid neglected Afghan economy · British fear counter-attack by Taliban in Helmand
Suicide Blast Kills 42 Pakistani Soldiers
A huge suicide bomb ripped through a Pakistani military camp today, killing 42 soldiers and wounding 20 more in a dramatic escalation of hostilities between President Pervez Musharraf and militant tribesmen.
Musharraf Faces New Questions Over Taliban
· Pakistani president to meet British commander · Reports claim intelligence agency helps militants
Bush Referees As Karzai and Musharraf Meet for Dinner
President George Bush said yesterday that he would act as referee at a working dinner at the White House between the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan as public bickering between the two men threatens to destabilise the US "war on terror".
Like Musharraf, Thai General Just Can't Let Go
Army commanders who seize political power by force often have the best intentions. But once installed they find it hard to let go.
Bush Reaches Out to Musharraf to Shore Up Shaky Alliance
· President calls Pakistan leader ally against terror · Mutual praise despite claims of bombing threat
Bush Threatened to Bomb Pakistan, Says Musharraf
The Bush administration threatened to bomb Pakistan 'back to the stone age' after the September 11 attacks if the country did not cooperate with America's war on Afghanistan, it emerged yesterday.
Britain Pleads With Musharraf to Spare Tourist Condemned to Hang
The new Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, will make a personal plea this week to President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to spare the life of a Briton facing execution for a murder for which he has already been acquitted once.
A Failing Friendship
Washington propped up Musharraf because he could help catch Osama. Now the general's sinking. By Peter Preston
It's a Rocky Relationship, But Us Still Needs Islamabad
When America's world changed after 9/11, President Pervez Musharraf adapted faster than most. By Simon Tisdall
Exclusive Interview: General Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan
· General says US air strikes infringe sovereignty · President denies running military dictatorship
We Need More, Says Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf, the president of Pakistan, today accused the international community of double standards in not doing more to help the survivors of the Kashmir earthquake.
Why this turnaround?
Pakistani Army chief Pervez Musharraf is a master tactician who carefully plots his every move. Had he been genuinely moved by India's humanitarian concern, he would not have mocked at New Delhi's offer to deploy Indian Air Force helicopters on rescue and relief missions in the occupied territory. Special report from Vipin Agnihotri
Musharraf Warns The US
Musharraf is frustrated with India's growing nuclear power. But what can he do?
Say sorry, Mr. President
Back home, General Musharraf will have to engage in a lot of damage control. The best course of action for him though would be an honest apology to the women of Pakistan.
Fury over Musharraf's 'cry rape, get rich' claim
The president of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, came under fire from human rights groups, international statesmen and media in his own country after suggesting that crying rape was an easy way to "be a millionaire" and get to Canada.
Death for Musharraf Attackers
A military court in Pakistan has sentenced a soldier and four civilians to death for their part in an attempt to assassinate President Pervez Musharraf on Christmas Day 2003.
Pakistan Tests Cruise Missiles
Pakistan test-fired its first cruise missile on President Pervez Musharraf's 62nd birthday yesterday, in the latest escalation of the arms race with rival India.
Musharraf Takes Fright at Plan for Morality Police in Radical Province
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf launched a last-ditch court attempt yesterday to quash a proposed law creating a Taliban-like morality police in the conservative Northwest Frontier Province.
Musharraf 's Terrorist Claims Are Dismissed
President Pervez Musharraf's declaration that he has "completely shattered" al-Qaida in Pakistan was met yesterday with deep scepticism from diplomats, analysts and opposition politicians.
Musharraf Accepts Indian Invitation to Watch Cricket
General Pervez Musharraf, the president of Pakistan, yesterday accepted an offer from the Indian government to watch the current test series between the fractious neighbours, although an administrative error meant that what could turn out to be a new era of cricket diplomacy, nearly did not happen.
Musharraf: Al-qaida is on the Run
The Pakistani president said last night that the US 'war on terror' had failed to address core problems, and that the world was in consequence a far less safe place.
Bin Laden Trail is Cold, Musharraf Admits
Pakistani leader admits impasse as US offers deal to Taliban.
Pakistan President Retains Army Post
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, yesterday reneged on a promise to stand down as army chief at the end of the year. In a setback for Pakistan's transition from military government to democracy, Gen Musharraf decided to remain both president and chief of staff, though there...
Pakistan Allowed Back Into the Fold
Commonwealth boost for Musharraf.
Musharraf Pleads for Anti-terror Funds
The Iraq war has taken money away from the hunt for al-Qaida and the Taliban, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan told an Australian television programme last night. Operations against remnants of the groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan's border provinces had been starved of resources...
Musharraf Forced Scientist to Retire
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, has said he forced the disgraced founder of the country's nuclear programme into early retirement three years ago after suspecting him of selling nuclear secrets to other countries. Last week Abdul Qadeer Khan accepted sole responsibility for sales...
Musharraf Knew I Was Selling Secrets, Says Nuclear Scientist
The disgraced founder of Pakistan's nuclear programme has informed investigators that he supplied rogue states with nuclear technology with the full knowledge of the country's ruling military elite.
Pakistan Attacks Traffic in 'nuclear Secrets'
General Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistani President, yesterday called on international investigators to probe an illegal underground traffic in nuclear secrets which he said stretched from Asia to Europe. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Musharraf, who has...
Musharraf and Vajpayee Pledge Peaceful Links
The leaders of Pakistan and India, meeting yesterday for the first time since their countries almost went to war two years ago, promised to restore normal relations President Pervez Musharraf and the Indian prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, shook hands and held talks with a retinue of...
Confidence Votes Tighten Musharraf's Grip on Pakistan
General to stay in office until 2007 with backing of Islamists.
Pakistan: the West's Soft Centre
If Musharraf is assassinated, the war on terror will also be a victim. Here is one terrorist threat even Tony Blair doesn't need to vamp up. It is self-evidently real and ominously recurrent. If, one day soon, it claims its target, then the world of Bush and Blair - plus their so-called war against Osama and chums - will be rocked to its core.
Security Device Saved Pakistan's President
Electronic jammer in car delayed blast by crucial seconds. An electronic jamming device installed in the limousine of President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan delayed a remote controlled explosion on a road bridge by seconds, allowing him to escape with his life, intelligence officials said yesterday.
Pakistan's Leader Escapes Murder 'by a Minute'
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf narrowly escaped assassination yesterday when a bomb destroyed a road bridge moments after his motorcade passed under. The blast was at least the third attempt on the life of a leader whose pro-American stance has enraged dozens of extremist Islamist...
Pakistan offers ceasefire
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, yesterday offered an immediate cease-fire along the disputed and heavily militarised border that divides the part of Kashmir ruled by India from that controlled by Pakistan.
Extra Troops Must Fill Vacuum Beyond Kabul to Quell Warlords, Warns Musharraf
The Pakistani president, Pervez Musharraf, called yesterday for a huge expansion of the international force in Afghanistan to fill the growing vacuum outside Kabul. General Musharraf, who was speaking to journalists in London, estimated that the force needed to be increased from the...
Musharraf's Looming Legal Headache
Pakistan's president appears to be settled in power, but a growing row could change all that. Rory McCarthy explains.
Moderate Musharraf Loyalist Elected Pakistan's New Prime Minister
Pakistan's new parliament elected Zafarullah Khan Jamali, a moderate known for his unswerving loyalty to the military regime, as prime minister yesterday.
Musharraf Knew Better
Long-term stability in Pakistan will not be achieved by military rule, however it is disguised. Elections, as General Pervez Musharraf knows, can be unpredictable things. That is why he took such pains to ensure that yesterday's elections in Pakistan - the first since he seized power three years ago - produced no unpleasant surprises.
Musharraf Keeps His Hands on the Reins
Warning to next PM as Pakistan goes to the polls.
Musharraf Accused of Rigging Pakistan's General Election
Tomorrow's vote puts promises of democracy to test.
Musharraf Regime 'is Rigging Election'
Pakistan's military regime is using its officials and secret service agents to try to ensure that its political supporters win the crucial general elections next month, the Guardian has learned. Western diplomats and election observers are worried by evidence of what opposition...
Musharraf faces storm on mission to Bangladesh
National strikes as Pakistan tries to heal wounds of 1971 war. Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, flew into Bangladesh yesterday under tight security in a new attempt to bring to an end to three decades of bitter recriminations from the 1971 war of independence.
Rory Mccarthy: By Order of the General
The west has gone along with Musharraf's dictatorial regime. But Pakistan's voters may not. Nearly three years ago, Pakistan's army chief General Pervez Musharraf led a strangely popular coup. There were no tanks on the streets, not a single shot was fired and no blood was spilt.
The general's elections
A raft of controversial constitutional amendments suggests that President Musharraf is not taking any chances ahead of Pakistan's first 'free' national poll in three years of military rule, writes Rory McCarthy.
Musharraf Sacks General to Bolster Power
Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, has sidelined a senior general in his powerful intelligence agency after coming under intense pressure to admit a presidential referendum which he won was heavily rigged. Major-General Ehtesham Zamir, the head of the political wing of...
Musharraf Appeals Against Islamic Banking
Pakistan's military government is desperately trying to stall attempts by the religious right wing to Islamise the country's economy by banning all interest payments, writes Rory McCarthy.
Islamists put Musharraf on notice
Dozens of hardline clerics and militant Islamist fighters defied President Pervez Musharraf's attempt to end Pakistan's support of the guerrilla war in Kashmir yesterday, accusing him of betrayal.
I don't want to start a war, says Musharraf
US steps up peace efforts as envoys fly in. The US launched an urgent new attempt yesterday to prevent war between India and Pakistan as General Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistani president, promised he wanted peace on the subcontinent.
Musharraf 'will Not Start War'
· US envoy optimistic
· Pakistan plays down Indian offer
· 'Sporadic' gunfire overnight
Musharraf treads a fragile line of control
At a series of Pakistani government meetings two weeks ago General Pervez Musharraf issued an order to stop Islamist militants crossing the line of control that divides Kashmir. The armed forces have long given covert support to the militants.
Musharraf Renews Call for Peace Talks
Pakistan's military leader General Pervez Musharraf challenged India yesterday to agree to "unconditional" talks in the hope of averting a devastating war on the subcontinent. Gen Musharraf flew to Almaty, in Kazakhstan, yesterday for a regional security summit which the Indian prime...
Risk-taker Musharraf Prepares to Show His Hand
Pakistani leader juggles support for militants with threat of 'surgical' attack from nuclear rival.
For Musharraf, Being Decisive is Not an Option
Pakistan's Islamism is a real obstacle in the general's path.
Musharraf 'may Redeploy Troops to Indian Border'
With one million men and arsenals of nuclear weapons already facing each other across the disputed region of Kashmir, Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, said today he was considering redeploying troops from their positions on the Afghan border to the border with India...
Pakistan's Stark Warning
Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, last night defied intense international pressure to defuse the crisis in Kashmir when he used a nationwide speech to champion the cause of Islamic militants and warn that his army would "shed the last drop of blood" to defend his nation. In...
Musharraf: We Will Not Start a War
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, today criticised Indian "war hysteria" and insisted his country would not be the one to initiate war between the nuclear neighbours. In a crucial televised address to his nation, General Musharraf interrupted his Urdu-language speech to address the...
Pakistan Leader Acts to Curb Power of Parties
Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, said yesterday he had won a 'heavy mandate' from the people in his much-criticised referendum and would now bring in reforms to curb the power of future elected politicians. Musharraf made it clear he intends to stay on as president for...
Pakistan Promised a General's Election
May 3: General Musharraf wants legitimacy, but his referendum endorsement is being heavily scrutinised and opposition parties are gearing up for a fight, writes Rory McCarthy.
Flawed Referendum Gives Musharraf Victory
Pakistan's military regime yesterday declared victory in its widely criticised presidential referendum, claiming a "massive" turnout in support of General Pervez Musharraf. Releasing the final result, the chief elections officer said nearly 98% of votes cast were in favour of Gen...
Referendum Endorses Musharraf
Pakistan's military leader, General Pervez Musharraf, is to serve another five years in office after winning a referendum to endorse his rule. The general, who seized power in a coup in 1999, had been relying on the referendum to give him a mandate to continue with economic and political...
Seeking credibility
General Pervez Musharraf has become the third Pakistani military ruler to turn to a referendum to endorse his position as president.
Musharraf Basks in a Foregone Triumph
Pakistan's military leader, General Pervez Musharraf, yesterday confidently predicted a sweeping victory in a referendum which is expected to endorse his rule as president for another five years. As the first votes were counted last night, his aides said the turnout was "unprecedented"...
Pakistan Goes to Polls in Leadership Vote
Pakistanis voted today on whether to endorse their military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, for five more years as president and to give him a mandate to pursue controversial policies, including a crackdown on Islamic militants and backing for the US war on terrorism. Opposition leaders...
Musharraf Risks Credibility in Drive for Election Win
Rivals call for boycott of Pakistani referendum
Musharraf Threatens Media Freedom
The increased friction between Pakistan's president and the country's journalists does not augur well for the lead-up to the October elections, writes Rory McCarthy.
Musharraf Ready to Use Nuclear Arms
General Musharraf raised tensions with India with a stark warning yesterday that he is prepared to use nuclear weapons in the event of war.
'Another Ruse to Rule'
Gen Musharraf's plans to hold a referendum on his leadership appear to be taking Pakistan still further from its founding father's vision, says Rory McCarthy.
Musharraf Flies in to Back New Kabul Regime
Pakistan's military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, finally drew a line under his country's embarrassing support for the Taliban yesterday by flying to Kabul for the first time to give his personal backing to Afghanistan's interim leader, Hamid Karzai. Gen Musharraf said he "made it...
Musharraf strikes a blow in propaganda war
Perhaps the single biggest strength of Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf is his adroitness as a diplomat. He comes across as frank in his occasional national television addresses and gently outmanoeuvred his rival, the Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, last week with...