Pakistan's opposition has held a "black day" of protests across the country after President Pervez Musharraf's decision to retain the powerful post of army chief.
Members of an Islamic alliance and other parties took to the streets Saturday in all major cities and towns, where speakers denounced General Musharraf for breaking his promise.
The rallies came two days after the Pakistani leader said in a televised address he had decided to retain both portfolios for the sake of the economic and political stability of the country.
General Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999, has angered the religious right by going back on a pledge he made to win its support for constitutional amendments that gave him sweeping powers.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.
