The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Islamabad

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday called on lawyers opposing his rule to stop spreading anarchy as tensions flared in the country just days after a new government made up of his opponents took office.

Violence broke out in parts of the country's commercial capital, Karachi, on Wednesday after anti-Musharraf lawyers clashed with his supporters in a court. Five people were killed in shooting in the city while six charred bodies of lawyers, two of them women, were recovered from a building housing lawyers' chambers after it was set ablaze. Violence in Karachi, which has a long history of political and sectarian unrest, is the first since the new coalition led by Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was sworn in. "I appeal to the lawyers not to spread anarchy. Law and order should be maintained," Musharraf told reporters before departing for a five-day visit to China. Musharraf has become growingly isolated since his allies suffered crushing defeat in February 18 elections.