This latest move by Mr. Musharraf is not going to win him any brownie points with United States, Great Britain and the EU. While it is not completely clear why he saw fit to take this particular action, it does not bode well for general stability in the region. If nothing else, it will strain US-Pakistani relations, and distract the Pakistani military to some extent, from their mission in the tribal areas. This, in turn, will further stress US assets in the region, potentially lightening up pressure on the Taliban and Al-Queda, as well as providing opportunities for other less-than-helpful players to step in and interfere with stabilization efforts. If you'd like to read more of my comments on this situation please visit my website: www.literarycomments.com

Daniel E. Levenson, Cambridge, USA

This tyrant believes he is above the law of the Pakistani people and will do anything to remain in power. The fact that the present US administration has not denounced the power grab by this dictator shows that George W. Bush is a windbag and only speaks about democracy and does not truly believe in democracy.

The world should be outraged at this power grab by this little two bit dictator. I ask all that are outraged by this latest corrupt move by Musharraf to boycot anything and everything that has a made in Pakastan label on it!

Tim, Fredonia, Pennsylvania, USA

This act of Musharraf is shameful and rightly expected from a shameless man. It is going to be the last nail in his coffin. Those self proclaimed politicians siding Musharraf are fair weather friends. We will certainly resist this act. Pakistanis are in the crutches of Military voltures. But we are not going to tolerate them in this country.

Hira Fatima, Lahore, Pakistan.

Hira Fatima, Lahore, Pakistan

A black day for our neighbours in Pakistan

arindam, kolkata, india

Power corrupts! I cant believe this ridiculous man has actually done the unthinkable. Will Pakistan ever be able to have a democracy? I wish the people would stand for whats right. Until they want to fight for their rights, they won't value them enough to prevent this abuse.

Shabana , London, UK

Gen Musharraf is certainly doing the right thing. Democracy should not be imposed but should come through natural progression. Pakistan is not in a stable state, hence the Emergency being imposed. Long live the General!

Mushtaq, Halifax, UK, Yorkshire

This is another huge mistake Musharaf made to legitimate himself. This so-called emergency has nothing to do with curtail extremism or promote democracy. It is all about to legitimate his position by illegitimate ways. It’s an obvious and clear message to the nation that Musharaf does not want any institution to be autonomous against him. He wishes to be a solely power to run the state affairs and indeed that’s too will go against him in an intense resistance resulting internal strife and bad agitation.

Mishee, Islamabad, Pakistan

Its upsetting to see that the blue eyed baby (Musharaf The Dictator) of the west is walking all over the Constitution of Pakistan.....Welcome Democracy!!!!

The West is going to slap him on his wrist for is imposition of Emergency and then wink to continue in fulfuling their (Western) interests...

Only God Knows who is sincere with Pakistan!!!!

Zarak Khan, Islamabad,

Until such time that world politics will interfere with national politics, there is no light at the end of tunnel for countries to mature.
All the main political Pakistani figures should have disappeared long ago, but thanks to outside interference they managed to remain in comanding positions only to further their own political agendas with total disregard for the needs of their fellow citizens.

Tom Ochrymowicz, Massignano (AP), Italy

This is the best outcome for Pakistant - the nation. An donly General Musharaff understands this. Thieves, gangsters and looters the likes of Nawaz Sharif and Benaazzr Bhutto should the first to be shot and hanged ublictly to show that Pakistan will no longer be ruled by these despots whose only interest if to line their own pockets. Pakistan Zaindabad. Musharraf Zindabad.

Aziz Miah, London, UK

You got to say that Musharaf has done well to get every last penny out of the Americans now you see his true colour. I don't whether to say Musharaf has been clever or American's have been dum. Just to sweeten up American's he may catch Bin Laden.

Satish Parmar, Harpenden, England

And this is a US ally ... you can see politics has little to do with human rights, terrorism or corruption, although the US likes to talk about these issues in a big way.

If this was Iraq or Iran George B would have made several statements of condemnation by now.

Chanaka, Aveiro, Portugal

The president, by his action this afternoon, declared that his hunger for power is far greater than hunger for food for his countrymen

sukhdev, wembley, UK

"The US and other Western allies urged him this week not to take steps that would jeopardise the country's transition to democracy."

Dream on just like Gen Musharraf "war on terror"!
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

Why do people tolerate military dictatorships? By definition, a dictatorship is not an inherently legitimate form of government.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely – Lord Acton 1887

Have some shame and let go of the power Mr President, before it corrupts you absolutely.

Imran Younis, Halifax, UK