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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - President Gen. Pervez Musharraf was preparing to impose a state of emergency amid rising violence and political tensions, lawmakers said Saturday after an extraordinary meeting of Cabinet ministers and other officials.
A senior official in the ruling coalition said the decision was reached at the meeting chaired by Musharraf.
“The switch could be turned on anytime,” the official said.
But a minister said the decision still had to be approved by a full meeting of the Cabinet, which would convene at 7 p.m.
“If the Cabinet approves it, it will be declared,” the minister said. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
The private Geo TV network, citing unnamed official sources, reported that a final decision to declare an emergency had been taken and that Musharraf may address the nation later tonight.
Another government lawmaker and a Western diplomat, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had received similar information and expected an emergency as early as Saturday night.
Please check back for more on this developing story.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
© 2007 MSNBC Interactive
Report: Pakistan in state of emergency - Focus on Pakistan - MSNBC.com
A senior official in the ruling coalition said the decision was reached at the meeting chaired by Musharraf.
“The switch could be turned on anytime,” the official said.
But a minister said the decision still had to be approved by a full meeting of the Cabinet, which would convene at 7 p.m.
“If the Cabinet approves it, it will be declared,” the minister said. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
The private Geo TV network, citing unnamed official sources, reported that a final decision to declare an emergency had been taken and that Musharraf may address the nation later tonight.
Another government lawmaker and a Western diplomat, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had received similar information and expected an emergency as early as Saturday night.
Please check back for more on this developing story.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
© 2007 MSNBC Interactive
Report: Pakistan in state of emergency - Focus on Pakistan - MSNBC.com
