The president signs the decree ending the state if emergency introduced on November 3rd. Later today he will address the nation. The constitution has been restored, but with last minute amendments which strengthen Musharraf’s power over the courts and parliament. No change in media clampdown.

Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf lifted a national state of emergency today, imposed on November 3rd, after making last-minute changes to the constitution to strengthen his hand against the courts and parliament. Government spokesman Anwar Mahmood confirmed the move.

According to Geo TV, the president will deliver a live address to the nation later today. The move comes just three weeks before new elections for parliament on January 8th. Analysts say curbs on the media and legal system will allow the president to manipulate the polls.

Since emergency was introduced on November 3, thousands of people have been jailed, uncooperative judges sacked and tough new curbs slapped on the media. Musharraf suspended the constitution fired the Supreme Court to eliminate obstacles to his re-election, which the new judges immediately approved.

In the face of widespread International condemnation, above all US pressure, Musharraf declared that he would soon normalise the situation.  But some lawyers and judges, among them former Supreme Court Chief Justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, are still under house arrest.  The President has indicated that none of them will be re-integrated into the legal system.  The ban on live TV transmission remains which many see as an attempt to control election coverage.

Finally Musharraf authorised a raft of last-minute amendments to the constitution -- including one to block the next parliament from challenging the legality of the emergency order or trying to undo its provisions.

 

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