'Emergency may be declared in Pakistan'

Islamabad, Sept 5: Former Pakistan Prime Minister and key adviser to President General Pervez Musharraf, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, has said that a declaration of emergency is being considered as a way of keeping Musharraf in office.

Hussain, the president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League, told the Washington Post in an interview that while a complete military takeover under martial law has been ruled out, a state of emergency that would allow for the postponement of elections for up to a year and the curtailment of individual liberties was still on the table.

"Martial law is a very harsh word. Emergency rule is not so harsh," he said.

Hussain's comments came as government negotiators are making a last ditch effort to strike a deal with Benazir Bhutto in the United Arab Emirates.

With elections looming, political factions in Pakistan are embroiled in high-stakes manoeuvring that could have vast implications for the future of the country.

Musharraf, who has been in power in Pakistan since a military-led coup in October 1999, is seeking re-election by the parliament and provincial assemblies this month. But as opposition to his government builds, he must overcome significant legal and political hurdles.

According to the Constitution, government employees have to resign and wait for two years before they are eligible to run for president. Musharraf is considered a government employee because he remains the army chief.

According to many analysts, if Musharraf does not get Bhutto's support for a parliamentary waiver of the requirement, the Supreme Court will declare his presidential candidacy invalid.

A case challenging his eligibility is due to be heard Wednesday, with Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry a man Musharraf tried to fire this year leading the bench. Hussain said he is not optimistic about the president's chances there.

"It looks like zero," he said, before adding that there is still a possibility other judges will vote in the president's favour.

If the president loses before the Supreme Court, his presidency will be over unless he takes one of two steps. He could declare emergency rule, which Hussain called "the last option," or he could call parliamentary elections before the presidential vote.

Both options would be major gambles. A deal with Bhutto could give Musharraf additional leverage, though Hussain, who has been a critic of the negotiations, said he believes there is only a 20 percent chance of an agreement.

Hussain, whose party was cobbled together by Musharraf after the 1999 coup, indicated that Musharraf has a third option: He could decide to resign the presidency and try to keep his job as army chief.

"That's up to him," Hussain said.

ANI
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