#6 Update: Looks like the Brave Jihadis want a time out, especially after the Special Forces guys moved in...
After several hours of shooting outside the controversial Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) a ceasefire was negotiated.
The BBC's Syed Shoaib Hasan who is outside the mosque says the ceasefire was negotiated by a politician from the MMA, a coalition of Islamic parties.
Police and doctors say two policemen, one soldier, two students and a passer-by were killed. A cameraman filming the violence also died. Other reports put the death toll at more than 10.
At the height of the violence, regular police and paramilitary units ringing the mosque compound were replaced by what appeared to be special forces, our correspondent says.
Ambulances and journalists were told to move further away from the scene.
Critics have attacked the government for failing to enforce its authority in the capital. President Musharraf has previously said security forces cannot raid the mosque for fear of reprisal suicide attacks.
BBC correspondents say it is thought the mosque has powerful friends in the security services, which has prevented the authorities from taking action.
But the fact that people have now been killed in the stand-off suggests the situation may be turning against the mosque leaders, our correspondents say. |
ISLAMABAD, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The chief cleric of Lal Masjid, or the Red Mosque, in Pakistani capital, announced on Tuesday afternoon the launch of Jihad™ after the exchange of fire between Lal Masjid students and Pakistani security forces, DAWN NEWS TV channel reported Tuesday.