sounds like a mess
from Debka.com:
Musharraf declares emergency in Pakistan amid mounting terrorist violence and political turmoil - Benazir leaves for Dubai
Paratroops troops have blocked road to Supreme Court which has rejected the president?s declaration of emergency. Troops are also posted at state TV and radio. The Chief Justice has been dismissed and the constitution suspended shortly before a supreme court ruling was due on the eligibility of Musharraf?s run for president while remaining army chief. Musharraf blames the crisis on Islamic militancy and judicial interference. The president of the supreme court bar has meanwhile been arrested.
DEBKAfile adds: Washington warned the Pakistan president against declaring an emergency and the effective imposition of martial law. This development is a severe setback for the Bush administration which encouraged ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto?s return to Pakistan to lead her party in parliamentary elections in January in a power-sharing arrangement with Musharraf.
She left the country for Dubai days after her homecoming, although her husband says she is on her way back.
Muslim extremists, elements of the Pakistan Army and intelligence have led the opposition to her return. Bhutto?s arrival was accompanied by a massive terrorist bombing which killed 180 people in Karachi and was the catalyst for further political turmoil in Islamabad, at a time when pro-Taliban and al Qaeda forces are spreading out of the tribal regions and inflicting punishment on Pakistan troops in wider parts of Pakistan, like the Swat Valley in the extreme north. The crisis was further complicated by the expectation of a supreme court decision disqualifying Musharref for the presidency despite his sweeping victory. He is due to address the nation later.
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