Pakistan to try militants under anti-terrorism law

Pakistani police detained scores more people, mostly Islamic prayer leaders, over the weekend as part of a continuing crackdown on extremists following the London bombings, officials said yesterday.

At least 210 were detained in Punjab province after Friday prayers and on Saturday, but 125 were freed on bail after pledging not to violate restrictions, said a Punjab province home department official, requesting anonymity.

Among them were 56 people who had been charged with making "provocative speeches" at Friday congregations, while 10 more were being held for selling audio cassettes and CDs of fiery speeches by clerics.

Earlier last week security forces arrested about 300 people nationwide as part of President Pervez Musharraf's campaign to curb militancy.

Hasan Waseem Afzal, Home Secretary of Punjab, said 105 men were rounded up in the province since the crackdown began, althou-gh some officials put the number at close to 200.

"We have already sent 90 of these men into police custody for three months," said Afzal, adding they would be tried under the country's Anti-Terrorism Act.

British diplomats have said that no one detained in Pakistan so far was linked to the London bombings.

Afzal said the other detainees were being investigated and would be tried under the same laws if found involved in any unlawful activity.

Those detained in the crackdown include members of banned militant outlets, including the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Jaish-e-Mohamm-ad and Lashkar-e-Jhangavi, officials said.

Some are members of the opposition religious alliance, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal. Afzal said the government would continue to crackdown on terrorists and those involved in sectarian violence between the Sunni and the minority Shia Muslims.

In a televised address on Tuesday, President Pervez Musharraf called on the nation to wage a holy war against preachers of hate and announced steps to curb militant Islamic schools and groups.