Islamabad: President Pervez Musharraf told foreign diplomats in Islamabad yesterday he imposed emergency rule because the judiciary had paralysed the functioning of the state, an official report said.
Musharraf said the judiciary's behaviour had created impediments in the fight against terrorism, adding Pakistan was facing challenges because of decisions made by the Supreme Court that engendered "a state of dysfunction of vital pillars of the state".
"The law enforcement authorities and provincial governments faced obstacles in maintaining the internal security situation and sustaining the fight against terrorism," he said.
The president assured diplomats that since taking over power in 1999 he had made efforts in a phased manner to move towards complete democracy, adding he was in full control of government affairs.
In the second phase from 2002-07, the elected parliament functioned alongside provincial assemblies and local governments. Its role was confined to advising the government on various issues of national importance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to complete the transition to democracy, saying elections would be held and decisions taken in view of a new legal situation soon.
Musharraf urged the global community to understand the ground realities in Pakistan and the decision taken to stabilise the situation in the country.
Encouraging
He contended that in some cases the media seemed to be helping the cause of extremists and terrorists by showing the gory scenes of suicide bombings, encouraging these elements to carry on with their heinous acts.
The president said difficult decisions had to be taken in the national interest for ensuring effective governance, maintaining writ of the government, law and order and averting decline in economic growth.
He said the extraordinary measures taken by him would ensure harmonious functioning between the main pillars of the state and the country's armed forces.
