Benazir detained, Lahore-Islamabad "long march" in doldrums

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir BhuttoLahore, Nov 13: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was all set to take out 275-kilometre Lahore-Islamabad "long march" today, has been detained at the residence of a Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) leader.

Benazir has been detained at the residence of Senator Latif Khosa in Lahore, which has been declared sub jail, The News reported.

According to sources, late night police closed the Khosa's house with barriers and deployed heavy contingents.

Police officials reached Khosa's residence with detention orders of Benazir who was confined for seven days his residence.

Benazir's political secretary Naheed Khan earlier refused to receive the detention orders.

"The Punjab Government has issued orders that the PPP workers should be stopped from the rally at any cost", police sources told Geo News.

Yesterday, security forces had cordoned off Benazir's Lahore residence, and the government hinted at detaining her if she goes ahead with the protest march.

"Long marches, rallies and political meetings are banned in Punjab province, this is for her security. There could also be a restraint order, " Deputy Information Minister Tariq Azeem said.

The security officials stated that suicide bombers could target Benazir's rally, and that threat against her was "imminent" and was of 'highest degree. '

Benazir has vowed to take out the long march to register complain against President General Pervez Musharraf's imposition of emergency in the country on November 3, suspension of the Constitution, detention of judges and arrests of lawyers and political workers. (ANI)

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