Foreign Journalists Attacked By Moslem Extremists In Pakistan

A group of foreign journalists in Pakistan was attacked Wednesday by Moslem extremists, including refugees from Afghanistan. The incident took place near the Afghan border, at the highway between Quetta and Chaman (Beluchistan Province). The journalists were riding to the Chaman check-point to cover the situation concerning the refugees who were trying to cross the Afghan border and enter Pakistan. A huge crowd of Islamists stoned the cars though they were moving under the guard of three police jeeps. The policemen defended the reporters and correspondents, but, nevertheless, they had to return to Quetta. Demonstrations against the policy of the General Pervez Musharraf government cooperating with the USA in the military operation in Afghanistan are continuing in Pakistan. According to The News newspaper, Musharraf expressed a sharp dissatisfaction with the activity of the local authorities who are not trying to curb the disturbances and the continuing demonstrations. At a Cabinet session Wednesday, President Musharraf stated that "all the necessary measures will be taken to maintain national security and ensure normal life for the citizens of Pakistan." Yet, the general asserted that the situation in the country is under full control." On Thursday, a conference will be held with the participation of the governors of all four provinces of the country, heads of the power structures, including the Interior Minister, and also the supreme military leadership. Its aim is to work out a special plan for maintaining order in the country.