President Musharraf could declare a state of emergency in Pakistan amid growing civil unrest against his increasingly embattled regime.

Security forces were placed on high alert yesterday, detaining hundreds of activists on the eve of an anti-government rally in Karachi. Rival demonstrations are planned by supporters of General Musharraf, raising fears of violent clashes in the southern port city today.

An extra 15,000 police and paramilitary troops have been deployed to Karachi where the country’s Chief Justice, who was suspended by General Musharraf, is expected to urge his supporters to step up their campaign of opposition to the Government. General Musharraf, a key US ally in the War on Terror, removed Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry on March 9 for alleged misconduct. His action triggered violent protests in defence of the judiciary, which had previously enjoyed a degree of independence under the military-backed regime.

Opposition to General Musharraf’s alleged attack on the independence of the judiciary was initially led by lawyers’ associations and rights groups striving to bring Pakistan under the rule of law. But the protests have evolved into a pro-democracy movement, with broad support across Pakistan that extends well beyond earlier antigovernment demonstrations that were led by radical Islamic groups.

The protests, which were declared illegal, escalated after a series of violent clashes with security forces, and have grown to present the most serious challenge to General Musharraf since he seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999. On Thursday unidentified gunmen fired gunshots at the residence of Munir Malik, the president of the Pakistan Bar Council, who is also an attorney for the sacked judge. A 14-judge bench of the Supreme Court is due to start hearing a series of petitions challenging the suspension of the judge.

Shaukat Aziz, the Prime Minister, last week hinted at the imposition of a state of emergency if police were unable to restore order. Opposition leaders gave a warning that any such action could push the country towards civil strife.

Tens of thousands of people greeted Justice Chaudhry last week when he travelled from Islamabad to the central Punjab city of Lahore, which is General Musharraf’s main support base. The judge, who has emerged as a symbol of the pro-democracy movement, threw down a gauntlet when he declared that the days of authoritarian rule in the country were numbered.

General Musharraf is also to address a mass rally in Islamabad today in an attempt to counter the nationwide demonstrations in support of Justice Chaudhry. Barricades have been erected along the roads leading to the administrative district, where the President is due to speak. General Musharraf’s opponents claim that government supporters are being transported to the city to give the impression that the President enjoys widespread support there.

General Musharraf, who is also the Chief of Army Staff, has announced his intention to seek another term as President in September or October, but refuses to declare whether he will relinquish his military post as required by Pakistan’s constitution.

Some analysts claim that his main motive for removing Justice Chaudhry is to be able to appoint a loyal chief justice who would thwart a constitutional challenge to his plans.

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