Pakistani president 'to declare state of emergency'

President General Pervez Musharraf was preparing to impose a state of emergency amid rising violence and political tensions, a private TV network and lawmakers said today.

A senior official in the ruling coalition said the decision was reached at an extraordinary meeting chaired by Musharraf and attended by some Cabinet ministers.

“The switch could be turned on anytime,” the official said.

But a minister said the decision still had to be approved by the Cabinet which would convene at 7pm.

“If the Cabinet approves it, it will be declared,” the minister said.

Geo TV, citing unnamed official sources, said the final decision to declare an emergency had been made and that Musharraf may address the nation later tonight.

Another government lawmaker and a Western diplomat, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had received similar information and expected an emergency as early as tonight.