Pakistani activists arrested after emergency rule imposed

Protesters shouted “Shame on You!” as baton-wielding police empowered by Pakistan’s state of emergency violently broke up a rally today and rounded up hundreds of opposition activists nationwide. The government said parliamentary elections could be delayed by up to a year, as it tries to stamp out a growing Islamic militant threat.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice – joining a host of foreign governments expressing concern about Pakistan’s decision to suspend its constitution – said Washington was reviewing billions of dollars in aid to its close terrorism-fighting ally. Britain was also examining its aid package.