Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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November 3, 2007

Pakistan President Musharraf Declares State of Emergency
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1A1EB63:A6F02AD83191E1602348F20AE488B64AF47489ACC27D21EE Musharraf has
issued a provisional constitution, amid mounting political upheaval
and a wave of Islamist violence





Pervez Musharraf  Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has imposed a
state of emergency and issued a provisional constitution, amid
mounting political upheaval and a wave of Islamist violence.

The announcement was made on Pakistan state television Saturday,
following an emergency security meeting. There was no further
explanation for the announcement.

With the state of emergency, the government blocked transmissions of
private news channels in several cities, and telephone services in the
capital, Islamabad, were cut.

Witnesses say police and troops have been deployed throughout the
capital, Islamabad, and that police have surrounded the Supreme Court
building where several top judges are considering whether to overturn
Mr. Musharraf's recent election win.

Media report that lawyer and opposition leader Aitzaz Ahsan has been
arrested. Ahsan is the main lawyer arguing in favor of challenges to
General Musharraf's re-election.

The president is expected to address the nation later today.

Earlier, Islamic militants in the volatile northwest said 120 police
and security personnel were taken hostage during a raid on a police
station late Friday in the Swat Valley region. A rebel spokesman says
the men were released unharmed.

The Swat Valley has seen a surge in militant activity since cleric
Maulana Fazlullah launched an illegal FM radio station, urging a holy
war against the government.

Around 2,500 troops were sent to Swat last week to counter the
Islamists.

More than 70 militants have been killed in the fighting.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.


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