An Islamic religious alliance in Pakistan is demanding President Pervez Musharraf step down as army chief, as rallies are held both for and against his dual role.
In the central city Multan, the main opposition Islamic alliance staged a demonstration, saying it will have to force General Musharraf to quit as army chief if he does not do so voluntarily by the year's end, as he promised.
But in the port city Karachi, in the southern Sindh province, thousands of people gathered at a rally organized by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, a major partner in the country's ruling alliance. Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim said it showed support for the president's decision to hold two posts, that of president and army chief.