LOC22:09
19:09 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (KUNA) -- Reports are ricocheting up here that emergency
is likely to be imposed in the country within next 24 to 48 hours owing to
worsening security situation in the tribal belt and possible US air strike on
Al-Qaeda hideouts in Pakistans territory.
Credible official sources, requesting anonymity, revealed to KUNA that the
plan of emergency has been finalized and approved by the President. They said
it was likely to be imposed after midnight. However, no confirmation was
available.
President General Pervez Musharraf cancelled his visit to Kabul to
inaugurate the peace Jirga at the 11th hour because of his engagements at
home, according to the foreign office. However, official sources said visit
was cancelled due to security related issues.
Media citing official sources reported that emergency was likely to be
imposed in the country tonight or on Thursday. Few ruling party members
cautiously confirmed the reports while many dismissed them as baseless.
Parliamentarian Sher Afghan Niazi said that current security situation
could lead to the imposition of emergency. However, the deputy information
minister rejected such report.
There were also reports that Chauhdary Shujjat Hussain, President of the
ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML)-Q faction, hosted dinner for his party
parliamentarians and informed about the prevailing situation and imposition of
emergency in this regard.
Aitzaz Ahsan, opposition party member, in his guarded comments confirmed
such reports. However, he said the decision has been taken due to the petition
of former exiled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The Supreme Court is to hear his petition of return to the country on
Thursday. He was sent into exile to Saudi Arab after President Musharraf
ousted his government in a bloodless coup.
Local channels also reported that initially the emergency will be imposed
for a month and then later will be extended for three more months.
It may be mentioned here that militants have intensified attacks on
security forces since deadly army raid on Lal Mosque here. They have been
carrying out suicide and bomb attacks and inflicted heavy death toll on the
forces. (end)
amn.bs
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