Clashes broke out in the Pakistani capital outside Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) following prayers, with each side blaming the other for provoking the conflict.
Radical students have launched a drive to impose a Taliban-style version of Islamic law in the capital, in particular threatening the owners of music and video shops and demanding that "all outlets of video sin" be closed.
"We need real Muslim power: Our state is an Islamic Republic in name only. [President] Musharraf is serving the West and America. He is against real Muslims. We simply want to live according to the laws of our faith," a student named Khakim told a RIA Novosti reporter.
Students have purportedly carried out a series of kidnappings of police officers and alleged prostitutes, and threatened suicide attacks if police intervened.
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf has come under fierce criticism for talking to the clerics instead of dealing with them harshly, and for allowing the sneaking "Talibanization" of Pakistan.
Musharraf said last week that he was ready to raid the mosque.
