Emergency derails poll hopes

Dubai: Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf declared emergency rule on Saturday and suspended the constitution, sparking a chorus of condemnation from around the world.

Minutes after the military ruler announced a provisional constitutional order, troops were deployed around the Supreme Court, state-run TV and radio stations and key government institutions in Islamabad.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who along with eight other judges refused to endorse the emergency order, was told that his services "were no longer required''. He was swiftly replaced by Supreme Court judge Hameed Dogar. The president of Supreme Court Bar Association, Aitaz Ahsan, was arrested.

The emergency came as the court was due to rule on the legality of Musharraf's presidential re-election victory in October.

Addressing the nation hours later, Musharraf said the government had become paralysed by judicial interference and he had imposed emergency rule to complete a transition to civilian-led democratic rule. "I fear that if timely action is not taken, then there is a threat to Pakistan's sovereignty. I cannot allow this country to commit suicide,'' he said, appealing to the international community to be understanding.

Political observers quoted by the BBC said the government feared the court verdict would go against Musharraf and the emergency was seen as a desperate bid by the army chief to reassert his flagging authority against political rivals and rising militancy.

The global community reacted with concern. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticised the measures as "highly regrettable'' and urged Pakistan to return to democracy. Britain and other Western powers expressed "grave concern'' over the situation, while India called for a speedy return to "normalcy''.

What next: Legislative bodies to remain unaffected

• The move is expected to put off parliamentary elections scheduled in January. The Cabinet, national and provincial assemblies would continue to function.
• The emergency order puts the constitution "in abeyance'' and in effect means that martial law has been imposed.
• Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, who said she opposed the order, will play a key role and General Pervez Musharraf is expected to face strong political challenge from her.