Musharraf Lifts State of Emergency

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

President Pervez Musharraf lifted a six-week-old state of emergency Satur- day and said the crackdown was to save Pakistan from a conspiracy rather than ensure his political survival. Musharraf made clear he would keep a lid on dissent, entrenching limits he imposed under the emergency including curbs on press freedom and the replacement of independent-minded judges.

– Paul Alexander, The Associated Press

effect on elections

Musharraf said the emergency helped slow the spread of Islamic militancy but the country still faces a “grave sit-uation” with the approach of Jan. 8 parliamentary elections, which will determine who will form the next government.

Opponents have said the changes set the stage for the elections to be rigged and have threatened to hold mass demonstrations. nuclear arsenal

Musharraf has tightened his control over Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, anchoring in law the National Command Authority, the commission responsible for overseeing the nuclear arsenal and preventing further proliferation.

Opposition leaders said the move gives him unwarranted powers that they will try to take away after national elections in January.

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