This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7019487.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Musharraf vote nomination backed Musharraf vote nomination backed
(about 2 hours later)
Election officials in Pakistan have approved President Pervez Musharraf's nomination for re-election, despite efforts to have him disqualified.Election officials in Pakistan have approved President Pervez Musharraf's nomination for re-election, despite efforts to have him disqualified.
The election commission approved Gen Musharraf and two rivals to contest the 6 October poll.The election commission approved Gen Musharraf and two rivals to contest the 6 October poll.
Lawyers and activists angry at his bid to be elected without standing down as army chief earlier clashed with police.Lawyers and activists angry at his bid to be elected without standing down as army chief earlier clashed with police.
The authorities used batons and tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators in Islamabad and Lahore.The authorities used batons and tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators in Islamabad and Lahore.
Observers expect Gen Musharraf to win the poll.Observers expect Gen Musharraf to win the poll.
Stone-throwingStone-throwing
Opposition activists had hoped Gen Musharraf would be barred from standing for president, as he has not yet quit his position as head of the armed forces.Opposition activists had hoped Gen Musharraf would be barred from standing for president, as he has not yet quit his position as head of the armed forces.
But the Supreme Court dismissed a number of legal challenges on Friday, and the Electoral Commission approved his candidacy on Saturday.But the Supreme Court dismissed a number of legal challenges on Friday, and the Electoral Commission approved his candidacy on Saturday.
KEY DATES 2 Oct: Date main opposition alliance to begin boycotting assemblies 06 Oct: Presidential vote to be held, election commission says 18 Oct: Date ex-PM Benazir Bhutto has set for her homecoming 15 Nov: Parliamentary term ends and general election must be held Analysis: Plain sailing? KEY DATES 2 Oct: Date main opposition alliance to begin boycotting assemblies 06 Oct: Presidential vote to be held, election commission says 18 Oct: Date ex-PM Benazir Bhutto has set for her homecoming 15 Nov: Parliamentary term ends and general election must be held Analysis: Plain sailing?
Before the commission's announcement, hundreds of lawyers had taken to the streets in cities including the capital, Islamabad, where they gathered in front of the commission's offices.Before the commission's announcement, hundreds of lawyers had taken to the streets in cities including the capital, Islamabad, where they gathered in front of the commission's offices.
The BBC's Barbara Plett, in Islamabad, said running battles between police and protesters took place over several hours.The BBC's Barbara Plett, in Islamabad, said running battles between police and protesters took place over several hours.
She says both sides have been throwing stones at each other.She says both sides have been throwing stones at each other.
HAVE YOUR SAY I'm so disappointed at SC decision. Might is still right in Pakistan Sadia Send us your comments
The police said they were enforcing a law banning demonstrations in the capital, but protesters claimed the demonstration had begun peacefully and turned violent because of the huge security presence.The police said they were enforcing a law banning demonstrations in the capital, but protesters claimed the demonstration had begun peacefully and turned violent because of the huge security presence.
The incident suggests Pakistan could be in for a week of political turbulence in the run-up to next week's election, our correspondent says.The incident suggests Pakistan could be in for a week of political turbulence in the run-up to next week's election, our correspondent says.
Opposition activists are expected to mount further legal challenges to Gen Musharraf's candidacy and campaign for the elections to be postponed.Opposition activists are expected to mount further legal challenges to Gen Musharraf's candidacy and campaign for the elections to be postponed.
But observers believe the ballot will take place as planned.But observers believe the ballot will take place as planned.
There are more than 40 candidates for the presidential election, although none is expected to be a serious challenge to Gen Musharraf.There are more than 40 candidates for the presidential election, although none is expected to be a serious challenge to Gen Musharraf.