Musharraf issued PCO in his capacity as Army Chief: Zahid
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid said President Pervez Musharraf issued the provisional constitution order in his capacity as army chief.
Speaking to PTV, he said the President gave reasons for imposition of emergency including rising incidents of terrorism, paralysis of government and lack of harmony among judiciary, executive and legislature.
The third phase of transition to democracy will be completed in the next two to three months, he added.
Hamid said as in the constitution there was no way out of the present situation, the President resorted to impose emergency and held the constitution in abeyance.
There is no specific time limit to end the emergency, he added.
The Minister said some fundamental rights are suspended but the Islamic provisions in the constitution will remain in place.
PCO is very clear about the situation in the country, he remarked.
State Minister for Law Shahid Akram Bhinder said after promulgation of PCO all judges of the Supreme Court ceased to hold office.
He said it is mentioned in the PCO that all government functionaries will continue with their powers.
The common man will not be affected by the emergency although certain fundamental rights are suspended, the Minister added.
The media organisations were violating the PEMRA ordinance, he said adding the President allowed the media to work freely despite repeated violations of laws.