PAKISTAN:The Pakistani government was forced into a dramatic climbdown yesterday as the political crisis surrounding President Pervez Musharraf deepened, with international condemnation of harsh new media laws and the first signs of serious dissent within his own party.
As thousands of people demonstrated in four cities - some in defiance of a ban - the government overturned a decree signed by Mr Musharraf on Monday empowering the government to close television stations, revoke licences and impose large fines.
Yesterday the prime minister, Shaukat Aziz, responded by suspending the decree yesterday.
Mr Musharraf appears increasingly isolated as he battles through the greatest political challenge of his career. Lawyers, journalists and opposition parties were already openly hostile when, two days ago, he rounded on his Pakistan Muslim League party for failing to support him.
"You always leave me alone in time of trial and tribulation," he berated followers at a party meeting, according to the News newspaper.
Several party officials say they are unhappy with Mr Musharraf's handling of the crisis, provoked by the attempted sacking of the chief justice, and fear it might bring the government down.
"Mistakes are being made," said one senior figure, "and we don't want it to spin out of control. This is an election year."
Kabir Wasti, a senior party official, said: "The president has lost the support of the majority of the people of Pakistan, if not the whole."