The Pakistani capital on Friday was abuzz with speculation about the imposition of an emergency or martial law in the country. The speculations have arisen due to the worsening law and order situation in tribal areas and the uncertainty caused by a dragging legal battle over President Pervez Musharraf's re-election in uniform.
The speculation persisted despite statements issued on Thursday night by several key leaders of the ruling PML-Q, including Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, that the government had no plans to impose martial law.
The security situation in the Swat region of the North West Frontier Province has deteriorated rapidly after paramilitary troops launched a crackdown last week against militant followers of pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Fazlullah.
Rumours about the imposition of emergency were also sparked by former Premier Benazir Bhutto's sudden decision to leave for Dubai on Thursday, barely two weeks after her return from eight years in self-exile. However, her Pakistan People's Party claimed that she was going to meet her family and would be back by November 8.
Clashes in the scenic Swat valley, once a popular tourist destination, have left over 150 people dead. The security forces are on the back foot, with nearly 50 troops being captured by the militants and another six beheaded in public. The militants are currently in control in several villages where they are running a parallel government.
The legal challenge to Musharraf's re-election in the October 6 presidential poll without giving up the post of Army Chief has added to the uncertainty in political circles, as the beleaguered military ruler has not said what he will do if the verdict goes against him.
Top leaders of the ruling PML-Q met Musharraf on Thursday night to reportedly discuss 'extraordinary measures' and to forge a new strategy, including the possible imposition of emergency, to deal with the current situation.
The meeting also considered a proposal whereby Musharraf, exercising his powers as the Army Chief, could issue a provisional constitutional order for taking 'supra-constitutional measures'.
Reports also suggested that the general election, due by mid-January, could be put off for some months.
However, a section of the ruling PML-Q leaders opposed any move to impose martial law as they feel this will affect the party's prospects in the election. Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid, a close aide of Musharraf, said martial law is unconstitutional while PML-Q Secretary General Mushahid Hussain Sayed said it would be counter-productive as "the army has its hands full combating the scourge of terrorism and extremism".
The proposal for 'supra-constitutional measures' envisages that there would be no ban on political activities and basic rights would not be suspended. The general election will also be held on time and assemblies will complete their tenure by November 15, the sources said. Such measures would be in force for a short period and their basic aim would be to create harmony among national institutions, the sources said.