Speculation ends: No emergency in Pak

ISLAMABAD: Seeking to put an end to speculation here that it could impose emergency in the wake of deteriorating law and order situation in the country, Pakistan
government on Thursday insisted that it will not go in for the measure.
    
The decision not to impose emergency was taken at a high-level meeting presided over by President Pervez Musharraf here, Information Minister Mohammed Ali Durrani said.
    
Ruling PML-Q President Shujaat Hussain, who earlier said that a decision will be taken by late afternoon, also contradicted reports that emergency would be imposed in the
country.
    
Those who are giving such advices to Musharraf cannot be regarded as his well-wishers, he told media here.
    
The remarks of Durrani and Hussain came following intense speculation here that emergency could be imposed in Pakistan because of deteriorating law and order due to suicide attacks launched by suspected pro-Taliban militants, especially in the country's tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
    
Last night, Minister of State for Information Tariq Azim told private Geo television channel that condition was ripe for emergency and the government was seriously considering the measure.