China 'concerned' over Pak emergency decree

BEIJING: China expressed concern Sunday over Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's move to suspend the constitution and declare emergency rule. 

"We are concerned about the situation in Pakistan, and believe the Pakistani government and people are capable of solving their problems," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao was quoted as telling official Xinhua news agency.   

Liu also expressed China's hope that stability could be maintained in its politically fractious southern neighbour, Xinhua said.

Facing a possible paring back of his power as both political and military supremo, Musharraf declared a state of emergency on Saturday, sacking the nation's top judge.   

He blamed judicial interference in government affairs and a wave of Islamic militant attacks for the move.   

Troops and police surrounded the Supreme Court in Islamabad, which had been due in coming days to give a verdict on the legality of Musharraf's victory in an October 6 presidential election.   

China is one of Pakistan's closest allies.