Pakistan's Musharraf decries terrorism, judiciary

ISLAMABAD, Nov 3 (Reuters) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf addressed the nation today hours after imposing emergency rule, saying terrorism and extremism had reached their limit and his country's sovereignty was at stake.

Musharraf, whose emergency rule proclamation cited rising militancy and a hostile judiciary, said Pakistan's system of government had become paralysed by judicial interference.

''Pakistan has reached a dangerous point, and is undergoing an internal crisis,'' he said in a pre-recorded televised address wearing a traditional Punjabi jacket. ''Whatever is happening is because of internal disturbances.'' ''I fear that if timely action is not taken, then God forbid there is a threat to Pakistan's sovereignty.'' Musharraf said some media channels had added to uncertainty in the country, but did not specify which.

His decision to impose emergency rule came as he awaited a Supreme Court ruling on whether he was eligible to run for re-election last month while still army chief.

REUTERS PBB AS0052