Pakistani opposition unites against Musharraf

PAKISTANI opposition figures today denounced constitutional amendments granting President Pervez Musharraf sweeping powers, saying they were a blow to democracy.

Musharraf yesterday said he had unilaterally made 29 amendments to the constitution, including giving himself the power to dissolve parliament, and to pick the heads of the armed forces.

He also said he had established a National Security Council to oversee the government and had extended his term in office by five years.