Emergency likely to be declared in Pakistan

Al-Jazeerah: The decision followed a meeting between the president, top military leaders and other government officials on Wednesday.The possibility of emergency rule has been mooted for months.

Earlier on Wednesday, Musharraf pulled out of a peace meeting with tribal elders in Afghanistan. Sean McCormack, US state department spokesman, said regarding the pullout, "President Musharraf certainly wouldn't stay back in Islamabad if he didn't believe he had good and compelling reasons to stay back. Certainly we would understand that."

Three reasons were given for the move: the recent threat of US air strikes on the country, the recent kidnapping of Chinese workers and the ongoing heated debates within Pakistan's national assembly on the country's future.

Kamal Hyder, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Pakistan said the state of emergency would give the government greater control. "Civil liberties will be suspended such as the right of speech. It will be difficult for the people," Hyder reported.

Reuters: "ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Private Pakistani television channels reported on Wednesday that President Pervez Musharraf was preparing to declare a state of emergency imminently, but government spokesmen denied there were any such plans. State-run Pakistan Television quoted official sources as saying the reports were baseless and Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani denied to Reuters that a meeting had been held to discuss the imposition of an emergency, as rumors swept the country.

Political analysts and opposition leaders, however, have feared that Musharraf, who is going through his weakest period since coming to power in a 1999 coup, might resort to an emergency because of difficulties he faces in getting re-elected by the sitting assemblies, while still army chief. "

Times Of India: There is very hot news running around in News channels and part of discussion at every level amongst groups in Pakistan. Here are some excerpts from what the world's media have to say about this.

"ISLAMABAD: Speculation was rife here late on Wednesday that Emergency might be imposed in Pakistan at any time in the wake of the volatile situation in the country's north western parts bordering Afghanistan, infested by Taliban and Al-Qaida militants, after a senior minister said the condition was ripe for the measure.

"Pakistan Muslim League (QA) President Chaudhry Shujaat also reportedly told women parliamentarians of the party during a reception hosted by him at his residence that Emergency is likely to be declared, the channel said. Speaker National Assembly was also called at the reception in which he was consulted that in the case of Emergency how it could be approved by the National Assembly. Pakistan Tribune website said Musharraf was consulting his associates and legal experts about Emergency."