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Musharraf Lifts Emergency Rule

Curbs remain on media, and some lawyers and judges still under house arrest

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 15, 2007 7:01 AM CST
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(Newser) – Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf today lifted the state of emergency he imposed in his nation, sending crowds into the street to celebrate the change and protest Musharraf's administration. Critics say media curbs and an altered judiciary, with some judges and lawyers under house arrest, will remain in place and that Musharraf can still manipulate  January elections.

"More needs to be done for the restoration of democracy," said opposition leader and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Citing violence from Islamic militants and an obstructionist judiciary, Musharraf imposed emergency rule November 3, suspending the constitution and purging the Supreme Court to stave off challenges to his re-election.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto speaks to reporters upon her arrival at Quetta, Pakistan after President Pervez Musharraf lifted a six-week-old state of emergency and restored the constitution, drawing cautious praise from some critics and condemnation from others who say he has skewed Pakistan's political landscape heavily in his...
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto speaks to reporters upon her arrival at Quetta, Pakistan after President Pervez Musharraf lifted a six-week-old state of emergency and restored the constitution,...   (Associated Press)
Lawyers chant slogans in front of police during a protest against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf yesterday after he lifted Pakistan's six-week-old state of emergency and restored the constitution. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Lawyers chant slogans in front of police during a protest against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf yesterday after he lifted Pakistan's six-week-old state of emergency and restored the constitution....   (Associated Press)
Lawyers chant slogans as they march past a line of police during a protest against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, in Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday. Musharraf lifted Pakistan's six-week-old state of emergency and restored the constitution Saturday, easing a crackdown that has enraged opponents and worried Western supporters. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Lawyers chant slogans as they march past a line of police during a protest against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, in Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday. Musharraf lifted Pakistan's six-week-old state...   (Associated Press)
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Victorious Musharraf still faces the boot
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Pakistan • Pervez Musharraf • Benazir Bhutto • emergency rule

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