Milenko Kindl

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state
of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday, state TV said, ahead of a
crucial Supreme Court decision on whether to overturn his recent
election win.

The report gave no reason for the emergency but it follows weeks of
speculation that the president - who is also chief of the army - could
take the step, amid rising political turmoil and Islamic militant
violence.

"The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and
issued a provisional constitutional order," a newscaster on Pakistan
TV said.

The U.S. and other Western allies this week urged him not to take
steps that would jeopardize the country's transition to democracy.
Musharraf took power in a 1999 coup.

During previous emergencies in Pakistan, a provisional constitutional
order has led to the suspension of some basic rights of citizens and
for judges to take a fresh oath of office.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking to reporters Thursday en
route to diplomatic meetings in Turkey and the Middle East, said the
U.S. would not support any move by Musharaff to declare martial law.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further
information. AP's earlier story is below.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a
state of emergency in Pakistan on Saturday, state TV said.

"The chief of army staff has proclaimed a state of emergency and
issued a provisional constitutional order," a newscaster on Pakistan
TV said.