Pakistan dam project challenged

Several thousand farmers and opposition supporters have taken to streets of Karachi protesting against plans to build a dam on the Indus River.

President Musharraf has said the proposed hydro-electric Kalabagh Dam would benefit farmers across Pakistan.

But opposition groups in Sindh, North West Frontier and Balochistan say the dam would mainly benefit Punjab leaving farms in the south short of water.

The peaceful demonstration coincides with Gen Musharraf's visit to Sindh.

The BBC's Islamabad correspondent says President Musharraf is hoping to persuade local politicians in the Sindh province to support the project.