Mass arrests ahead of rally in Pakistan

Pakistan arrested hundreds of opposition activists today and banned protests in two regions before a planned rally outside parliament in Islamabad.

The clampdown by police and intelligence agencies could damage the democratic credentials of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Nawaz Sharif, the head of the largest opposition party, today vowed to press on with tomorrow's protests in Islamabad, Punjab and Sindh which are being organised by lawyers.

The opposition want Mr Zardari to fulfil a pledge to restore a group of judges fired by former president Pervez Musharraf in 2007. Mr Zardari refuses to do so, apparently fearing they could reopen corruption cases against him.

The upheaval could lead to intervention by the military.