Hundreds call for Pakistan president to go

Hundreds of supporters of Pakistan's main opposition party started to gather for a protest rally yesterday, calling on President Asif Ali Zardari to step down.
The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) is expected to draw large crowds at the rally in its political heartland, the city of Lahore where it controls the Punjab provincial government despite being in opposition at a national level.
Party faithful are due to denounce government corruption, widespread power cuts, rising inflation and the poor standing of living, calling for early elections before the elected government's five-year mandate expires in 2013.
More than 300 members of the PML-N youth wing were among the first to arrive, carrying placards, party flags and shouting "Go, Zardari, Go!" at an event held under strict security, an AFP reporter said.
PML-N party leader and former prime minister Nawaz is not expected to address the rally, scheduled to return from a private visit to Turkey later yesterday.