Inside Pakistan’s emergency decree

Q: Why is Pakistan under a state of emergency?

A: Pervez Musharraf, the Pakistan president, cited the threat posed by Islamic militants who have staged a campaign of suicide bombings in recent months and have been fighting government troops in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. In addition, Musharraf blamed the judiciary for “working at cross-purposes with the executive and legislature in the fight against terrorism.” Critics, however, said Musharraf imposed a state of emergency because he believed the Supreme Court was about to invalidate his election last month to another term as president.

Q: What are the provisions of the decree?

A: The constitution is suspended. Judges are required to take a new oath of office, swearing loyalty to the government, or lose their jobs. Citizens’ fundamental rights are suspended, including freedom from unlawful arrest and detention, and freedom of movement, assembly and speech. Media organizations must adhere to a code of conduct that prohibits “ridicule” of the government or armed forces.

Q: What will be the effect on elections?

A: Government officials initially said a parliamentary vote scheduled for mid-January could be put off for as long as a year. On Thursday, Musharraf said the vote would take place by mid-February. Critics question whether he will stick to that timetable.

Q: What is the prospective deal between Musharraf and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto?

A: The two have not formally come to any terms, and Bhutto says she will not engage in power-sharing negotiations while the state of emergency is in effect. But the broad outlines of the deal are as follows: Musharraf was to have renounced his post as head of the army. Bhutto has received an amnesty against past corruption charges, although it was challenged in court before the emergency was declared. Bhutto wanted Musharraf’s support for a constitutional term that would allow her to serve a third term as prime minister. Musharraf would gain legitimacy through his association with Bhutto, whose Pakistan People’s Party is the country’s largest.

Q: What is the U.S. position on the unfolding situation?

A: U.S. officials brought Musharraf into their orbit after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by providing him with billions in aid to fight terrorists and beef up his armed forces, while urging him over the years to move toward greater democracy. In the week since the emergency decree was imposed, President Bush and his top aides have exhorted Musharraf to reverse course, but also have praised him as a valuable ally. And although the U.S. has begun reviewing its aid, administration officials have defended their support for Musharraf and said there is no legal requirement to discontinue the assistance to Pakistan.

Q: What is the likely effect on the “war on terror”?

A: U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said last week the administration fears that the longer the internal problems continue, the more probable security forces will be distracted from the fight against al-Qaida and the Taliban. Defense Department officials said they have seen no sign of a letup of counterterrorism efforts in the country’s rugged northwest region so far. But even before the emergency decree, U.S. officials expressed exasperation with the Pakistani government’s fight against the militants.