September 30, 2007	Sunday	Ramazan 17, 1428

PESHAWAR, Sept 29: Lawyers boycotted court proceedings in protest against Gen Pervez Musharraf’s bid for re-election as president and took out rallies to protest against use of excessive force by state functionaries against lawyers and journalists in Islamabad on Saturday.

Expressing solidarity with the affected media personnel, journalists in various cities organised separate protest demonstrations.

TIMERGARA: The district bar council observed a complete strike. Members of the bar marched from the courts to the National Bank Chowk where speeches were made by leaders of the legal community.

Terming Gen Musharraf the worst dictator in Pakistan’s history, speakers said he would be held accountable for his actions, adding that they would resist his attempt to contest the presidential poll. Lawyers chanted slogans against the government.

MANSEHRA: Lawyers boycotted court proceedings and took out a procession and blocked the Karakoram Highway in protest against violence by law-enforcement agencies against lawyers and journalists in Islamabad.

Protesters carried banners and placards and urged Gen Musharraf to quit his two posts. They blocked the KKH near the Butt Bridge.

SWABI: Members of the Swabi Bar Association on Saturday boycotted court proceedings and staged a sit-in. Lawyers vowed to continue their struggle against President Musharraf until he stepped down.

Speakers said the best option for the military rulers was to quit the government to pave the way for free and fair elections. Political leaders also condemned the police action against lawyers and journalists in Islamabad and said the government was using coercive methods to suppress the civil society.