Pervez Musharraf’s worst crisis since he seized power eight years ago deepened on Saturday as firing between his supporters and those of suspended Chief Justice Iftikhar M Chaudhry in Pakistan’s commercial capital left at least 30 people dead but the President ruled out declaration of emergency.
Groups of activists belonging to Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), a partner in the federal ruling coalition, and those of the  opposition parties supporting the suspended Chief Justice, used assault rifles and indiscriminately fired with their weapons in street clashes in different parts of Karachi.
More than 150 people were injured, Geo TV said giving the casualty figures.
Chaudhry, who arrived in the country’s commercial hub to address a rally of High Court lawyers, was stranded at the airport and was asked by the local government to avoid the meeting and return home.
While lawyers accompanying him from Islamabad have returned, the judge threatened to walk to the venue of the meeting in the troubled city.
The roads to the venue of his meeting were blocked with vehicles — the tyres of which were deflated.
The situation was so serious that Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz reviewed the latest developments at an emergency meeting as rumours spread thick and fast that a state of emergency would be imposed.
Musharraf, who spoke at a function in Islamabad, said he had heard that there were fears that emergency would be declared. “Ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you there is no question of that. Nothing of that sort will happen.”
Firing at TV channel
Unidentified gunmen also fired at the office of the private Aaj TV channel in Karachi, its News Director Talat Hussain said.
Hordes of men laid siege to the channel and reports spoke of no police presence.
Hussain, who was in the office when it was attacked, said heavy arms were used to target Aaj TV.
However, no one was hurt as all staff members lay down during the firing which lasted for more than 15 minutes.
Musharraf puts up a brave face; another picture, Page 12