Emergency Imposed!

[Neo]

General Musharraf's Second Coup ​

By Amir Wasim

ISLAMABAD, Nov 3: President General Pervez Musharraf, in his capacity as the chief of army staff, on Saturday declared emergency rule in the country, suspended the country’s constitution, and issued a new Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO).

The official announcement on the state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) came within minutes of a high-level meeting at the President House (Aiwan-i-Sadr) which was chaired by the President and attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, senior security and intelligence officials.

Shortly before the official announcement all the private and independent news channels in the country were pulled off the cable network, leading to intense speculations of a possible emergency rule or martial law.

This is the second time in General Musharraf’s tenure that an emergency rule has been imposed, and PCO issued. First it was at the time when the military seized power on October 12, 1999. This time it was when President Musharraf had already ruled the country for eight long years, and was faced with a situation where there was a strong possibility that the Supreme Court may rule against his move to get himself elected for the second time as the head of the state.

According to some details of the new PCO made available to the media, the National Assembly, Senate, provincial assemblies, the prime minister, provincial chief ministers, federal and provincial ministers, governors and all those in the “government services” will continue to function normally.

However, it was not clear how this will be possible, or be legitimate, with President Musharraf resorting to the extra-constitutional action of suspending the constitution and issuing his own provisional constitutional order or PCO.

Soon after the proclamation of emergency by Gen Musharraf, an eight-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, reportedly set aside the decision. Setting aside General Musharraf’s proclamation of emergency, the panel asked all members of the superior judiciary against taking oath under the new PCO.

The Supreme Court, in its order, termed Gen Musharraf’s action “illegal and unconstitutional” and asked the corps commanders and all civil and military officials not to take oath under the PCO. Till filing of this report, the judges of the SC were still inside the court building.

However, under the circumstances chances of a major rebellion on part of the superior judiciary appeared highly unlikely. In any case, legal experts said, the government must have contemplated such a resistance, and as has been the past practice during military rule, some of the judges will not be invited to take oath, some will refuse, and a few will accept the new order to provide legitimacy to the this kind of emergency rule.

There were also reports that some of the lawyers, including the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, have been taken into custody. Mr. Ahsan’s wife told reporters that her husband was arrested soon after the imposition of emergency.

Although news of a possible emergency rule had been doing rounds for the past several days, on Saturday it became quite evident when a large contingent of paramilitary troops started to arrive in Islamabad, and cable operators were asked to pull the plug on all independent news channels, including DawnNews, Geo, ARY and Aaj TV.

Land telephone lines and mobile phones are also partially down in Islamabad and communication has become almost impossible in many parts of the capital. TV channels and newspapers had been reporting for the past few days that the government had made up its mind to declare emergency rule. (Posted @ 20:24 PST)

- DAWN - Latest Stories; November 03, 2007

 

[Neo]

More breaking news:

State of emergency declared ​

Islamabad, Nov 3 (AFP/AP)

- 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 militant violence. ''The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order,'' a newscaster on the state-run TV channel said. Dozens of police blocked the road in front of the Supreme Court building in Islamabad where judges were believed to be inside. The state TV report gave no reason for the emergency but it follows weeks of speculation that he could take the step. 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. ''This is the most condemnable act,'' said Ahsan Iqbal, a spokesman for the opposition PML-N party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who Musharraf barred from returning to exile to Pakistan in September to mount a campaign against military rule.''The whole nation will resist this extra-constitutional measure,'' he said. The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in the capital and other cities. Shahzad Iqbal, an official at a cable TV news provider in Islamabad said authorities were blocking transmissions of private news channels in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. State TV was still on the air. ''The government has done it,'' he said. Residents of Karachi said their cable TV was also off the air.Paramilitary troops and police surrounded the Supreme Court in Islamabad, an AFP reporter said. Two trucks full of armed paramilitary soldiers from the Rangers force, who are under the control of the Interior Ministry, and several dozen policemen cordoned off the building. (First Posted @ 18:26 PST Updated @ 18:54 PST)

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Chief Justice Pakistan refuses to endorse emergency ISLAMABAD, Nov (Reuters): The Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and eight other judges refused to endorse the provisional constitutional order issued by the president, and Chaudhry has been told his “services are no longer required”, private news channels said. Chaudhry and his fellow judges, according to a Reuters journalist, were still inside the court building on Constitution Avenue, the broad thoroughfare where the presidency and the National Assembly are also located. The road has been sealed off by troops. (Posted @ 19:36 PST)
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Bhutto flying back to Pakistan from Dubai -husband ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (Reuters): Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto boarded a flight back to Pakistan from Dubai on Saturday, her husband said, after President Pervez Musharraf invoked emergency powers and suspended the country's constitution. “(She's flying back) tonight, yes of course,” Asif Ali Zardari told Reuters by telephone from Dubai, saying she was already on the plane. “It's definitely not pleasant news, it's not welcome news,” he added. “We're hoping to build institutions, not destroy them.” (First Posted @ 19:18 PST Updated @ 19:48 PST)

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Nawaz Sharif says Pakistan heading for anarchy ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (Reuters): Exiled former President Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday Pakistan was heading towards anarchy and described President Pervez Musharraf's decision to invoke emergency powers as a form of martial law. “We are heading towards a chaotic situation, heading towards anarchy,” Sharif told Indian news channel CNN-IBN in an interview replayed by Dawn Television in Pakistan. (Posted @ 20:18 PST)

- DAWN - Latest Stories; November 03, 2007

 

[Owais]

US to oppose martial law: Rice

SHANNON (November 03 2007): US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Friday Pakistan must go ahead with elections next year and the United States opposed any move by President Pervez Musharraf to impose martial law.

A suicide attack on an Air Force bus that killed eight people on Thursday in Pakistan fuelled fresh speculation that General Musharraf could invoke emergency powers to postpone elections, due in or around January, which are meant to transform the country into a civilian-led democracy.

"I am not going to get into the details of our conversations but I think it would be quite obvious that the United States would not be supportive of extra-constitutional means," said Rice, when asked whether the United States opposed any move by Musharraf to declare martial law.

"Pakistan needs to prepare for and hold free and fair elections," said the top US diplomat, adding that she had not spoken to Musharraf in recent days, Rice was speaking to reporters en route to Turkey and before a refuelling stop in Shannon, Ireland.

When speculation was rife several months ago that Musharraf was set to declare a state of emergency, Rice called him to make clear that this was a move Washington strongly opposed and there must be a move to civilian rule via democratic elections.

"The political space needs to be prepared by moderate forces, beginning to work together, which is why we have been supportive of moderate forces like Benazir 's return, and that moderate forces have a common enemy in the extremists who are so much in evidence," Rice said. "We are in constant contact with the leadership and the political leaders in Pakistan but I am not going to speculate on what might happen," Rice said.
Business Recorder [Pakistan's First Financial Daily]

 

[kidwaibhai]

i was listening to AAJ on the internet does anybody want the link to that site

 

[UnKnOwN]

Pakistan's Musharraf declares emergency

By MATTHEW PENNINGTON, Associated Press Writer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency on Saturday, ahead of a crucial Supreme Court ruling on his future as president, thrusting the country deeper into political turmoil as it struggles with spreading Islamic militancy.

Seven Supreme Court judges immediately rejected the emergency, which suspended the current constitution. The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in several cities and telephone services in the capital, Islamabad, were cut.

"The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and issued a provisional constitutional order," a newscaster on state Pakistan TV said, adding that Musharraf would address the nation later Saturday.

It gave no reason for the emergency but it follows weeks of speculation that the military leader, who took power in 1999 coup and later made Pakistan a U.S. ally in its war on terror, could take that step. Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a longtime rival of Musharraf who has been negotiating with the president about forming a pro-Western political alliance, was returning to Pakistan from Dubai where she was visiting family, an advisor said.

Military vehicles patrolled and troops blocked roads in the administrative heart of the capital. Police barred the doors to the Supreme Court decision, with the judges believed inside.

The U.S. and other Western allies urged Musharraf this week not to declare martial law or an emergency that would jeopardize the country's transition to democracy. Crucial parliamentary elections meant to restore civilian rule are due by January.

The emergency was expected to be followed by arrests of lawyers and other perceived opponents of the government, including civil society activists and possibly even members of the judiciary itself, a ruling party lawmaker said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Private Geo TV reported that the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Aitzaz Ahsan, had been arrested. He was a lawyer for Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, whom Musharraf tried and failed to oust this spring, sparking a popular movement against military rule.

Geo also reported that the chief justice had been told that "his services were no longer required."

As phones were not working, it was not possible to contact government spokesmen for confirmation.

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.

"This is the most condemnable act," said Ahsan Iqbal, a spokesman for the opposition PML-N party of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said of the emergency. Musharraf barred Sharif from returning to Pakistan from exile in September to mount a campaign against military rule.

"The whole nation will resist this extra-constitutional measure," he said.

Rehman Chishti, an advisor to Bhutto, said she was "absolutely shocked" by the state of emergency and would leave Dubai — where she was visiting family after surviving an assassination attempt Oct. 18 — and would immediately return to Pakistan.

"Benazir Bhutto is on her way and she will be in Pakistan to be with the people of Pakistan and to challenge Gen. Musharraf," Chishti told British Broadcastimng Corp. television.

The seven Supreme Court judges rejected the declaration of emergency and ordered top officials, including the prime minister, and military officers not to comply with it.

"We feel that government has not ground/reason to take extra constitutional steps, particularly for the reasons being published in the newspapers that a high profile case is pending and is not likely to be decided in favor of the government," the judges wrote in a two-page ruling.

Elements in the country's ruling party have been pushing for emergency rule in case the Supreme Court disqualifies Musharraf's Oct. 6 presidential victory because he contested the vote while still army chief, diplomats say. A verdict is due before his current term expires Nov. 15.

About 200 people, including lawyers and journalists were gathered outside the white marble Supreme Court building. They were outnumbered by police who had closed the steel gates of the court premises, barring anyone entry. The judges, including Chief Justice Chaudhry, were believed to be inside.

At least seven trucks brought armed police and paramilitary ranger troops to Constitution Avenue that passes in front of the court, Parliament and the official residences of the president and prime minister.

The government blocked transmissions of private news channels in the capital and other cities.

Shahzad Iqbal, an official at a cable TV news provider in Islamabad said authorities were blocking transmissions of private news channels in Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi. State TV was still on the air.

"The government has done it," he said.

Residents of Karachi said their cable TV was also off the air.

Judges in the southern Sindh province were called to take a fresh oath, Geo reported.

The drama in Islamabad came as pro-Taliban militants demonstrated their growing control in the volatile northwest, hoisting jihadist flags over a police station in Swat district, where officials say fighting with security forces has killed about 180 people since last week.

Pakistan has also been rocked by a string of suicide bombings blamed on Islamic militants, the deadliest targeting opposition leader Bhutto's homecoming parade following eight years in exile. More than 140 people died in the Oct. 18 blast.

 

[kidwaibhai]

all the judges that were talking on that TV channel said that this was a very bad thing but i think it is not because musharraf wants to stay in power it is because of the situation on the ground in SWAT.

 

[Neo]

Cabinet, assemblies to continue working ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (Reuters): Pakistan's cabinet will continue working, and the national and provincial assemblies will also contine to function following the imposition of emergency rule on Saturday, state-run Pakistan Television said. “The Federal Cabinet, governors and their (provincial) ministers will continue their work,” the channel reported. “The National Assembly, Senate, the provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan will continue functioning”. (Posted @ 19:42 PST)

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No decision taken to impose Martial Law: Tariq ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (APP): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azeem on Saturday said that no decision had been taken to impose martial law in the country. Talking to a private TV news channel, he said that martial law was an unconstitutional step while declaring an emergency was the constitutional right of the government under Article 232 of the Constitution. He said the situation in Swat, Rawalpindi and Sargodha stimulated the government to fulfil its responsibility to maintain law and order at every cost. He added that the government could enforce emergency to improve the situation. Mr Azeem said the NRO was an internal matter of the country and other countries should not interfere in its internal affairs. (Posted @ 19:16 PST)

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Aitzaz Ahsan detained in emergency ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (Reuters): A leading Pakistani lawyer and opposition figure, Aitzaz Ahsan, said he had been detained after President Pervez Musharraf invoked emergency powers on Saturday. “They have served me a detention order for 30 days,” Ahsan, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, told reporters outside his home in the capital. “One man has taken entire nation hostage... Time has come for General Musharraf to go.” Fellow lawyers shouted “Go Musharraf Go” as Ahsan was taken away by police, waving a victory sign to his supporters. (Posted @ 19:50 PST)

- DAWN - Latest Stories; November 03, 2007

 

[Owais]

i was listening to AAJ on the internet does anybody want the link to that site

provide that link plz

 

[Neo]

all the judges that were talking on that TV channel said that this was a very bad thing but i think it is not because musharraf wants to stay in power it is because of the situation on the ground in SWAT.

True, Mush has the right to declare emergency in case of national security and chaos, it was expected.
Why else would BB leave Pakistan??

 

[Spring Onion]

I dont know why the T.V. channels are on the air now.

Check Power fluctuation

Geo is on in the United States.. Live..

Mulk ko Media ki azadi ka tufa dia
GEO Musharraf

Yes Dhanraj Musharraf is stated to address the Nation tonight

 

[kidwaibhai]

the link is below
Aaj TV from Pakistan: Watch latest news on 2007 Pakistan Election Live Online --Asia --Online Television --English

 

[fatman17]

i was listening to AAJ on the internet does anybody want the link to that site

please provide - thx

 

[Owais]

True, Mush has the right to declare emergency in case of national security and chaos, it was expected.
Why else would BB leave Pakistan??

Then why he remove CJP? dnt tell me he was supporting militants in Sawat

 

[Ababeel]

It can be rightly called a war between pro west, pro US and servent of US and those opposing them to keep the true character of Pakistan intact. It becomes the duty of Pakistani people to safegaurd their nation with there last drop of blood and defeat the forces following Americam dictation. This ***** person has sold Pakistan to the Impiaralists and Zionists and taking the nation towards death and destruction.

 

[UnKnOwN]

I'm wondering if he would let Benzir back in Pakistan.....