| Law would still require him to hold elections unless that's too 'dangerous'. |
The official said the imposition of emergency by the president would be one option and if the proclamation is endorsed by a joint sitting of parliament it would automatically extend the term of the National Assembly for a period not exceeding one year and not extending, in any case, beyond a period of six months after the proclamation has ceased to be in force. "The government is privy to secret consultations of the opposition to launch agitation by opting for politics of destruction," said the senior official before adding "in that case, the proclamation of emergency would be a must."
The proclamation of emergency is issued by the president under Article 232 (1), which says: "If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in which the security of Pakistan, or any part thereof, is threatened by war or external aggression, or by internal disturbance beyond the power of a provincial government to control, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency." The parliament can then extend the life of the National Assembly for a maximum of one year. The government has an overall majority in the parliament.
A constitutional expert told KT that even if emergency is imposed, the presidential election would have to be held this year between September 16 and October 15. Similarly the life of the provincial assemblies cannot be extended and their elections would be due by January 2008. Such a prospect would play into government game plan. Gen. Musharraf can get himself reelected and then 'oversee' elections to the provincial assemblies.
The News said recent spree of suicide attacks at different places along with the incoming reports of the opposition camp to flex their muscles by going to the streets would be dealt with by a constitutional option of imposing emergency. When asked, the senior official did not rule out the option of declaring emergency much before the present assemblies complete the 5-year term, as it would simultaneously help the government to extend the period of the National Assembly for at least 12 months.
The News, however, reported that its correspondent contacted a senior member of the ruling party who said there was no such move in the offing and no such circumstances existed that called for imposition of emergency. He said the PML is fully capable of handling political issues and it was interacting with the opposition to resolve outstanding issues.