In Pakistan, a government crackdown continues despite official claims of freeing thousands of jailed dissidents. Earlier today, Pakistani authorities arrested former Supreme Court judge Wajihuddin Ahmed. He was the only candidate to run against President General Pervez Musharraf in last month’s election. The Pakistani government says it’s released more than 3,000 prisoners.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Javed Iqbal Cheema: “The federal and provincial authorities have already released 3,416 detainees, including political workers and lawyers. Another 2,000, still under detention, would also be released soon. Some of the detainees, however, are facing criminal charges, and the courts will decide about their bail applications as and when these are moved.”

A Western diplomat told the New York Times the number of freed prisoners could be closer to 1,000.