Why Is Pakistan under a state of emergency?

Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistani leader, cited the threat posed by Islamic militants who have staged a campaign of suicide bombings in Pakistani cities in recent months and have been fighting government troops in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. In addition, Musharraf blamed the judiciary for “working at cross-purposes with the executive and legislature in the fight against terrorism.” Critics, however, said Musharraf imposed a state of emergency because he believed the Supreme Court was about to invalidate his election last month to another term as president.

What are the provisions of the decree?

The constitution is suspended. Judges are required to take a new oath of office, swearing loyalty to the government, or face loss of their jobs. Citizens’ fundamental rights are suspended, including freedom from unlawful arrest and detention, and freedom of movement, assembly and speech. Media organizations must adhere to a code of conduct that prohibits “ridicule” of the government or the armed forces.

What will be the effect on elections?

Government officials initially said a parliamentary vote scheduled for mid-January could be put off for as long as a year. On Thursday, Musharraf said the vote would take place by mid-February. Critics question whether the Pakistani leader will stick to that timetable, and also say candidates cannot campaign freely while the emergency decree is in place.

What is the prospective deal between Musharraf and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto?

The two have not formally come to any terms, and Bhutto says she will not engage in power-sharing negotiations while the state of emergency is in effect. But the broad outlines of the deal are as follows: Musharraf was to have renounced his post as head of the army. Bhutto has received an amnesty against past corruption charges, although it was challenged in court before the emergency was declared. Bhutto wanted Musharraf’s support for a constitutional term that would allow her to serve a third term as prime minister.

What is the U.S. position on the unfolding situation?

U.S. officials brought Musharraf into their orbit after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by providing him with billions in aid to fight terrorists and beef up his armed forces, while urging him over the years to move toward greater democracy. In the week since the emergency decree was imposed, President Bush and his top aides have exhorted Musharraf to reverse course on the emergency decree, but also have praised the Pakistani leader as a valuable ally. And although the U.S. has begun reviewing its aid, administration officials have defended their support for Musharraf and said there is no legal requirement to discontinue the assistance to Pakistan.