Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Sunday indicated that the general election could be deferred, saying Parliament is entitled to delay polls for a year under a state of emergency.
"There could be some timing difference on the election schedule, but we have not decided yet," Aziz told reporters at a news conference a day after President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency and suspended fundamental rights.
"We are still deliberating. In an emergency, the parliament could give itself one year," he said. Pakistan's national and four provincial assemblies will complete their term on November 15 and elections were scheduled to be held within 60 days by mid-January.
According to the constitution, however, the assemblies could give themselves some more time in view of the extraordinary circumstances of the country, Aziz indicated.
Aziz dismissed reports that the emergency was akin to martial law and pointed out the print media was functioning as before. However, he said the government intended to bring in a code of conduct for the media, including TV channels.
The Prime Minister also explained Musharraf's decision to impose emergency, saying the country was facing many challenges. The constitution was held in abeyance but the prime minister, chief ministers and the cabinet will continue to function as before, Aziz said.
Meanwhile, minister of state for information Tariq Azeem said that all other matters, including elections, have gone into abeyance.
He said the schedule for parliamentary election due in January might be "adjusted" after the imposition of emergency.
"Elections will be held but the dates may be adjusted because of emergency in the country," Azeem was quoted as saying by Geo TV.