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Protests Rock Pakistan
Friday September 21, 2001
By Staff and agencies
The prime minister's belligerence is dangerously irresponsible. We want an end to terrorism, not a new war

The Guardian
Angry protests in Pakistan brought parts of the country to a virtual standstill today as demonstrators rallied behind Islamic groups.

Shops were closed and transport suspended as demonstrators made their voices heard in response to a nationwide strike called by Muslim clerics.

It is the fifth consecutive day of protests in the country, but by far the most dramatic with police, their numbers boosted, firing tear gas into some boisterous crowds.

Protestors are acting against their government's pledge on Wednesday to support American military strikes against neighbouring Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden, the chief suspect in last week's terrorist attacks in America, is defended by the Taliban.

Despite ongoing negotiations Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Abdul Salam Zaeef, announced today that Taliban rulers will not hand over Bin Laden without evidence. Asked if the Taliban would deliver him, said, "No," but his translator added, "No, not without evidence."

Pakistanis near the Afghan border vowed to launch a war against Americans.
(More: The Guardian News Source)

Dan