Musharraf has shocked the world

Dubai: President General Pervez Musharraf once again shocked the world by imposing a state of emergency in the country.

While political parties were gearing up for the next general elections, his decision deals a severe blow to the expected transition from "military rule" to real democracy.

The new development has left political quarters in complete uncertainty about the nature of a future government and is a severe blow to the independence of the judiciary.

The timing of the declaration - days before a crucial decision by the Supreme Court on the eligibility of Musharraf's election victory - raised many eyebrows.

Political and constitutional experts say what Musharraf has done is more than an emergency.

With the proclamation of an emergency, the fundamental rights of the people cease to exist. But the government has also suspended the Constitution with the issuance of a provincial constitutional order.

There is a possibility the assemblies will soon be dissolved and a caretaker set-up will be formed to take control of the situation.

Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is going to play a key role in the caretaker set-up. She rushed back to Karachi last night upon hearing reports of the emergency.

Another possible scenario is the assemblies will stay and the elections, which are due in less than three months time, will be postponed.

There is a provision elections can be postponed for up to one year if the political and law and order situations are not conducive to holding the polls.

If it happens, the political crises are likely to worsen and the bid for a "democratic" set-up will be nothing more than a far-fetched dream.