Musharraf Names Close Ally Interim PM

Pervez Musharraf today named close ally Mohammedmian Soomro as Pakistan's caretaker PM, effective at midnight tonight reports the BBC. The move came as Benazir Bhutto ruled out a power-sharing agreement with Musharraf, and turned instead to rival opposition leader Nawaz Sharif—even as the country's attorney general said he expects Musharraf to relinquish military duties by Dec. 1.

As police cracked down on protest rallies today, rounding up hundreds and killing two, Musharraf defended his emergency rule declaration, saying “The most crucial issue at this moment is Pakistan—Pakistan’s stability and Pakistan’s democratic transition.” Soomro's government is expected to remain in place until elections called by Musharraf take place in January, the BBC reports. (More Pakistan stories.)