Musharraf imposes Stat of emergency in Pakistan
Islamabad : Pakistan government has decided to impose emergency. The Dawn news channel has reported that official announcement will come soon.
It further added that paramilitary forces have been moved to important cities in Pakistan and army pickets have been setup at important points.
Private channels have been taken out of air in All the BIG CITIES, The Dawn reported. However, official confirmation is yet to come.
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday, state TV said, ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent election win.
The report gave no reason for the emergency but it follows weeks of speculation that the president — who is also chief of the army — could take the step, amid rising political turmoil and Islamic militant violence.
“The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order,” a newscaster on Pakistan TV said.
The U.S. and other Western allies this week urged him not to take steps that would jeopardize the country’s transition to democracy. Musharraf took power in a 1999 coup.
During previous emergencies in Pakistan, a provisional constitutional order has led to the suspension of some basic rights of citizens and for judges to take a fresh oath of office.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking to reporters Thursday en route to diplomatic meetings in Turkey and the Middle East, said the U.S. would not support any move by Musharaff to declare martial law.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday, state TV said.
“The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order,” a newscaster on Pakistan TV said.
We will update you soon with details.