Judiciary responsible for emergency in Pakistan: Musharraf

Islamabad, Nov 5 (UNI) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today briefed foreign diplomats about the current situation in the country here.

He blamed the judiciary for creating obstacles in fight against terrorism that led to imposition of emergency in the country. The country was facing challenges because of certain decisions taken by the judiciary that paralysed various organs of the state, he said.

''The law enforcement agencies and provincial governments had faced obstacles in maintaining internal security situation and sustaining the fight against terrorism.'' Media, in some cases, was helping terrorists by showing the scenes of suicide bombings that encouraged these elements to carry on with their heinous acts, Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Gen Musharraf as saying.

Reaffirming his commitment towards complete transition to democracy, he said efforts, in this regard, were being made in a phased manner since 1999.

The first phase was from 1999 to 2002, where he was in full control of the government affairs. It was followed by the second phase from 2002-07 where an elected parliament was functioning along with provincial assemblies and local governments and his role was confined to advise to the government on various issues of national importance.

The President said difficult decisions had to be taken in the national interest for ensuring effective governance, maintaining writ of the government, law and order, security in the country and averting decline in economic growth.

UNI