POLICE in Pakistan rounded up almost 500 opposition leaders and rights activists yesterday after the country’s military ruler suspended the constitution, ousted the top judge and deployed troops to fight what he called rising Islamic extremism.

Opposition legislators submitted their resignations today as part of their efforts to undercut President General Pervez Musharraf’s re-election bid, while two of his opponents filed fresh legal challenges to his candidacy.

Former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto’s party announced today that it would contest the country’s presidential election – but only if President General Pervez Musharraf is barred from running.

Riot police arrested dozens of opposition activists protesting against President General Pervez Musharraf today as Pakistan's Supreme Court dismissed two legal challenges to his re-election bid.

Pakistani police separated supporters and opponents of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf as the two sides held rival rallies in Islamabad today during a hearing on a top judge’s contentious suspension.

Two massive suicide bombs exploded today moments after Pakistani president General Pervez Musharraf’s motorcade passed – the second assassination attempt against him in 11 days, officials said.

Pakistan’s president, General Pervez Musharraf has promised to step aside if voters decide in a national referendum to deny him five more years as president.