Pakistan to lift emergency in a month

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 11-11-2007 11:51

Pakistan will lift its emergency rule in a month, a top official said, as former premier Benazir Bhutto (centre) left her home for the first time since the government lifted her house arrest.(AFP/Aamir Qureshi)

The state of emergency will be lifted in a month in Pakistan. That's according to Attorney General Malik Qayyum setting a positive note on the country's escalating political crisis.

In Islamabad, this scene continues as Pakistani President General Pevez Musharraf imposed the state of emergency one week ago.

The Constitution was also suspended and the chief justice removed.

Pakistani Attorney General Malik Mohammed Qayyum said, "The emergency is not a permanent feature. It is only for a short period."

The government has promised to lift the emergency in a month.

Musharraf has said that parliamentary elections will be held by mid February. He says he will quit his post as army chief before taking oath as president for the next term.

Meanwhile, former Pakistani Prime Minister and major opposition leader-- Benazir Bhutto-- is appealing to the international community for moral support.

Bhutto also announced plans to defy a ban on public gatherings and lead her supporters on a 300 kilometer march this week.

Editor:Zhang Ning