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Tuesday, Jun 19, 2012 4:15 PM UTC

A look at major players in Pakistani politics

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Topics: From the Wires,

PRIME MINISTER YOUSUF RAZA GILANI: The man at the center of the controversy is Pakistan’s longest-serving prime minister. He became prime minister in 2008 elections following the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He was imprisoned for six years under the rule of Gen. Pervez Musharraf. The Supreme Court in April convicted Gilani of failing to open a corruption case against President Asif Ali Zardari. The Tuesday court decision to disqualify Gilani possibly spells the end of his premiership.

CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT IFTIKHAR CHAUDHRY: The chief justice was appointed in 2005 but suspended by Musharraf in 2007. The outcry from his fellow lawyers and supporters was a reason behind Musharraf eventually stepping aside in favor of a civilian-led government. Chaudhry has been the driving force behind the court pushing Gilani to open a corruption case against the president. But Chaudhry has come under criticism since allegations surfaced that his son accepted lavish gifts and trips from a Pakistani tycoon who hoped to influence the court.

PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI: The president rode to power on a wave of sympathy following the 2007 assassination of his wife, Bhutto, but has long been plagued by corruption accusations. Zardari was jailed for eight years on corruption charges following the end of his wife’s second administration. The Supreme Court has been pushing the prime minister to ask Switzerland to reopen the corruption case against Zardari.

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Gripping photos: The people of the Turkey protests (slideshow)

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  • The protests take on a festive element as police forces move out of the park and square. Wearing a gas mask, this young man dances to traditional Turkish music in front of Taksim Square’s Ataturk Monument.

  • In Gezi Park since March 31st, this protester, originally caught off-guard by the Government’s teargas and water cannons, went out and bought a Russian army mask from WWII, preparing for what was to come.

  • This rambunctious boy seems to be enjoying the chaos. After taking this picture he threw a stone at the already destroyed building in the background.

  • Forming a line, the police face off directly with protesters in Taksim Square. After a while, they retreated and there was a general cheer – a back-and-forth dance that has been common since the beginning of this protest.

  • An elderly woman in Gezi Park reads the news. The tent community occupying the park was violently destroyed on June 16th.

  • Many different groups had set up booths to promote their cause in Taksim Square and Gezi Park. Standing in front of one, this man waves his flag while posing with conviction.

  • Many home-remedies are used to minimize the effects of tear gas. This woman has put a milky solution on her face, removing her mask after the tear gas dissipated. Before sunrise, the police came again for another round of teargasing.

  • People capitalize on the uprising -- selling flags, beer, gas masks, sky lanterns and spray paint to name just a few of the popular items.

  • On Monday morning, June 11, the police execute a strong offensive. Many plain-clothed police officers, like the ones seen here, clash with protesters in the side streets away from the main stand-off in Taksim.

  • The authorities seem to be most aggressive in the night, pushing protesters away from the square and park. After being teargassed this young woman catches her breath with other protesters on Siraselviler Street.

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