Musharraf to Decide on Imposing State of Emergency

A Pakistani government spokesman says President Pervez Musharraf is not ruling out imposing a state of emergency due to what he called "external and internal threats."

General Musharraf is expected to hold a meeting with senior aides Thursday to discuss the matter.

Pakistan's information minister said that a deteriorating security situation poses a threat in the country's northwest near the Afghan border.

On Wednesday, General Musharraf pulled out of a U.S.-backed tribal council in Afghanistan designed to unite hundreds of local leaders in the fight against Taleban militants. Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is expected to take his place for the beginning of the council.

Pakistan continues battling pro-Taleban militants in tribal regions bordering Afghanistan, but the United States has been pressuring the government to do more.

ENDS

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