Nepal expresses concern over emergency in Pakistan

Kathmandu, Nov 5 (UNI) Nepal has expressed concern over imposition of emergency in Pakistan, saying it was a setback to ''the ray of hope for democracy'' in the country.

''It is a matter of great concern to all of us in the region to see that the ray of hope for democracy has been eclipsed with the imposition of emergency by the present regime,'' a government statement said.

It also urged all stakeholders to work for an early establishment of democracy in Pakistan.

The Himalayan nation's parliament also condemned the declaration of emergency in Pakistan.

Various political parties, including the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have also condemned the emergency.

''This step by Pervez Musharraf, President and Army Chief of Pakistan, would create more problems in the country which has been bearing autocratic regime since 1999,'' the party said in a statement.

''Any step taken to seize the rights of the people in the 21st century are not relevant and possible, and the people cannot tolerate any army dictatorship and autocratic regime at the current situation,'' it added.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has given the sour gift of a double coup to his people, proving that Pakistan is not ridding itself of military clutches in the near future, The Kathmandu Post said in its editorial today.

''The masks Musharraf unsuccessfully wore as a press-friendly and pro-economy president since he captured power through a bloodless coup in 1999 fizzled out as soon as he declared a state of emergency on Saturday,'' it added.

Human rights organisations, student bodies and have also condemned the imposition of emergency in the Islamic nation.

UNI