Musharraf Declares State of Emergency in Pakistan
Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 9:37 amMusharraf Declares State of Emergency in Pakistan
Saturday , November 03, 2007
AP
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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan —
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent election win and amid rising Islamic militant violence.
The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in several cities and telephone services in the capital, Islamabad, were cut. Dozens of police blocked the road in front of the Supreme Court building where judges were believed to be inside.
"The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order," a newscaster on Pakistan TV said, adding that he would address the nation later Saturday.
Musharraf, who took power in a 1999 coup, is also chief of the army.
The U.S. and other Western allies urged him this week not to jeopardize the country's transition to democracy. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, said Thursday the U.S. would not support any move by Musharaff to declare martial law.
Militants earlier said they had captured two police stations and 120 security forces in a mountainous region of northwest Pakistan that has increasingly fallen under the control of Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked extremists, further embarrassing Musharraf's government.
A flag was hoisted over one building after it was abandoned by officers in the scenic Swat valley, a formerly popular tourist destination plagued by fighting between paramilitary forces and Islamic militants, said Sirajuddin, speaking on behalf of the insurgents.
Hours later, militants took control of another police post 6 miles to the north, said Mian Rasool Shah, a Taliban commander, adding they locked the doors to prevent the looting of weapons after convincing 60 officers to leave.
No government official was immediately available to comment on the claims, which came a day after extremists paraded dozens of men described as surrendered government troops before journalists. They — like the 120 security forces who allegedly defected after being surrounded by militants overnight — were later released, Sirajuddin said.
Rising violence and political turmoil in Pakistan have fueled fears that President Gen. Pervez Musharraf might extend his military rule by imposing a state of emergency or martial law, jeopardizing a promised transition to democracy. The government decided following an extraordinary meeting Saturday to beef up security in the capital, Islamabad, and possibly deploy paramilitary forces at important installations across the country, officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media.
The Bush administration and European allies — who see Musharraf as a bulwark in the so-called war on terrorism — have reportedly urged the military leader to refrain from imposing emergency measures to maintain his grip on power, a Western diplomat said in Islamabad.
But elements in the country's ruling party were pushing the military ruler to do so in case the Supreme Court disqualifies his Oct. 6 presidential victory because he did not first give up his position as army chief, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. A verdict is due before his current term expires Nov. 15, after which Pakistan is due to hold parliamentary elections.
Adm. William Fallon, the chief of the U.S. Central Command, met with Musharraf and other top generals on Friday to discuss the security situation in the northwest, where Islamic militants have expanded their influence beyond existing strongholds in border region.
But a spokesman for Pakistan's army angrily denied newspaper reports suggesting Fallon had offered to provide U.S. troops to help tackle the insurgency in Swat, where a hard-line cleric is trying to enforce Taliban-style rule. Pakistan has long said it would not allow U.S.-led coalition forces to operate on its soil.
"Everyone is aware of our stance on this issue, and the Americans also know it," said Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad.
Security forces are also struggling with pro-Taliban militants in North Waziristan, a tribal region bordering Afghanistan where U.S. officials fear Al Qaeda could be regrouping. And, there has been a string of homicide bombings widely blamed on Islamic militants, the deadliest targeting opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's homecoming parade following eight years in exile. More than 140 people died in the Oct. 18 blast.
The two-time prime minister has since left the country, vowing to return next week so she can continue to campaign for parliamentary elections.
Swat, which until recently drew tourists from all over the world because of its panoramic views and snowcapped mountains, has been the scene of fierce gunbattles in recent weeks. The army pounded the area with helicopter gunships on Thursday, claiming to have killed 70 militants.
The hardline fighters, who put the toll at just eight, meanwhile have adopted increasingly brutal measures, angering some Swat residents, even those who support the imposition of Islamic law. At least four policemen have been decapitated in recent weeks, their heads paraded through the dusty streets.
"We don't know what will happen here," said Abdul Majeed, a shopkeeper, adding that many vendors in his bustling market are concerned about their livelihoods. "The bazar is open and people are buying food, but we are constantly worried about the fighting."
Saturday , November 03, 2007
AP
ADVERTISEMENT
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan —
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday ahead of a crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent election win and amid rising Islamic militant violence.
The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in several cities and telephone services in the capital, Islamabad, were cut. Dozens of police blocked the road in front of the Supreme Court building where judges were believed to be inside.
"The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order," a newscaster on Pakistan TV said, adding that he would address the nation later Saturday.
Musharraf, who took power in a 1999 coup, is also chief of the army.
The U.S. and other Western allies urged him this week not to jeopardize the country's transition to democracy. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, said Thursday the U.S. would not support any move by Musharaff to declare martial law.
Militants earlier said they had captured two police stations and 120 security forces in a mountainous region of northwest Pakistan that has increasingly fallen under the control of Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked extremists, further embarrassing Musharraf's government.
A flag was hoisted over one building after it was abandoned by officers in the scenic Swat valley, a formerly popular tourist destination plagued by fighting between paramilitary forces and Islamic militants, said Sirajuddin, speaking on behalf of the insurgents.
Hours later, militants took control of another police post 6 miles to the north, said Mian Rasool Shah, a Taliban commander, adding they locked the doors to prevent the looting of weapons after convincing 60 officers to leave.
No government official was immediately available to comment on the claims, which came a day after extremists paraded dozens of men described as surrendered government troops before journalists. They — like the 120 security forces who allegedly defected after being surrounded by militants overnight — were later released, Sirajuddin said.
Rising violence and political turmoil in Pakistan have fueled fears that President Gen. Pervez Musharraf might extend his military rule by imposing a state of emergency or martial law, jeopardizing a promised transition to democracy. The government decided following an extraordinary meeting Saturday to beef up security in the capital, Islamabad, and possibly deploy paramilitary forces at important installations across the country, officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media.
The Bush administration and European allies — who see Musharraf as a bulwark in the so-called war on terrorism — have reportedly urged the military leader to refrain from imposing emergency measures to maintain his grip on power, a Western diplomat said in Islamabad.
But elements in the country's ruling party were pushing the military ruler to do so in case the Supreme Court disqualifies his Oct. 6 presidential victory because he did not first give up his position as army chief, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. A verdict is due before his current term expires Nov. 15, after which Pakistan is due to hold parliamentary elections.
Adm. William Fallon, the chief of the U.S. Central Command, met with Musharraf and other top generals on Friday to discuss the security situation in the northwest, where Islamic militants have expanded their influence beyond existing strongholds in border region.
But a spokesman for Pakistan's army angrily denied newspaper reports suggesting Fallon had offered to provide U.S. troops to help tackle the insurgency in Swat, where a hard-line cleric is trying to enforce Taliban-style rule. Pakistan has long said it would not allow U.S.-led coalition forces to operate on its soil.
"Everyone is aware of our stance on this issue, and the Americans also know it," said Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad.
Security forces are also struggling with pro-Taliban militants in North Waziristan, a tribal region bordering Afghanistan where U.S. officials fear Al Qaeda could be regrouping. And, there has been a string of homicide bombings widely blamed on Islamic militants, the deadliest targeting opposition leader Benazir Bhutto's homecoming parade following eight years in exile. More than 140 people died in the Oct. 18 blast.
The two-time prime minister has since left the country, vowing to return next week so she can continue to campaign for parliamentary elections.
Swat, which until recently drew tourists from all over the world because of its panoramic views and snowcapped mountains, has been the scene of fierce gunbattles in recent weeks. The army pounded the area with helicopter gunships on Thursday, claiming to have killed 70 militants.
The hardline fighters, who put the toll at just eight, meanwhile have adopted increasingly brutal measures, angering some Swat residents, even those who support the imposition of Islamic law. At least four policemen have been decapitated in recent weeks, their heads paraded through the dusty streets.
"We don't know what will happen here," said Abdul Majeed, a shopkeeper, adding that many vendors in his bustling market are concerned about their livelihoods. "The bazar is open and people are buying food, but we are constantly worried about the fighting."