This is martial law, says Benazir

Condemning the imposition of emergency in Pakistan, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has said it was, in fact, martial law.

Bhutto, who returned to the country last night from Dubai, demanded immediate restoration of the Constitution.

'The move is unconstitutional and illegal and the Pakistan People's Party would lead the struggle against the imposition of emergency,' the PPP chairperson was quoted by The News as saying while addressing a news conference at her Bilawal House residence in Karachi.

The former premier also appealed to the international community to condemn the move. 'It was an attack on and insult to the judiciary, and no such action was taken in any civilised society,' she said.

She said terrorism and extremism were growing fast in the country and even air force officers were being targeted. She said all the political and democratic forces must unite and launch a struggle for the restoration of democracy.

The PPP chairperson had flown to Dubai two days ago, but decided to rush to the country when emergency was imposed. Her return was unexpected and unscheduled, and even the party leaders were not aware of it. However, a large number of party leaders and workers reached the airport to receive her when word went round on Saturday evening that she was returning.

The Emirates flight EK-602 carrying her landed one-and-a-half hours late. The party leaders said the flight was delayed at the Dubai airport due to security reasons.

Bhutto was taken to Bilawal House amid tight security by a large number of party workers.