Pakistani Official Says Musharraf Rejects State of Emergency

Pakistani officials say President Pervez Musharraf does not intend to declare a state of emergency.

Ruling party head Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain made the announcement after General Musharraf met Thursday, with senior aides to discuss the matter. He dismissed as "baseless" media reports that the Pakistani leader was poised to impose emergency rule.

Mr. Musharraf had abruptly canceled plans to attend a peace conference in Kabul.

Pakistan's information minister said a state of emergency declaration was being discussed due to what he called "external and internal threats." He said a deteriorating security situation posed a threat in Pakistan's northwest near the Afghan border.

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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