ISLAMABAD, 16 December 2007 — Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said yesterday that his emergency rule had saved Pakistan, as he addressed the nation just hours after repealing it in the face of fierce criticism at home and abroad. In a nationally televised speech that underlined what he said was his central role in bringing democracy to the nuclear-armed Islamic nation, the president also vowed that elections next month would be “absolutely fair.”
The 64-year-old former army general drew international criticism when he put the country under emergency rule on Nov. 3, citing a surge in attacks by Islamic militants as well as what he alleged was interference by the judiciary. Musharraf, who lifted the order earlier yesterday, said he had imposed it as a last resort because the country, a key part of the US-led international “war on terror,” faced a serious threat of militant violence.
“Against my will and as a last resort, I imposed emergency rule and saved Pakistan from destabilization,” he said. “It was inevitable, in my view, and that is why I imposed it,” said Musharraf, wearing a somber black tunic in the pre-recorded announcement.
“The wave of terrorism and militancy has been stopped under the emergency and there has been considerable improvement in overall situation,” he said.
