Islamabad, Jan 18: Two domestic flights carrying top opposition leaders and ruling lawmakers were diverted from the capital ahead of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's first ever address to Parliament today. A Pakistan International Airlines flight from Lahore to Islamabad, carrying high-profile PML (N) lawmaker Tehmina Daulatana and MMA leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed among others, was diverted to Peshawar, airport officials said.

The flight was parked at the runway at Islamabad Airport for about 50 minutes after it arrived from Lahore before being diverted to Peshawar. Daulatana is a vocal opponent of Musharraf.

Another flight from Karachi to Islamabad, which was also carrying prominent opposition and ruling members, was diverted to Lahore.

Bureau Report