Pakistan's President General Pervez Musharraf has declared a state of emergency and suspended the constitution. In a nationally broadcast address, he partly blamed the judiciary for bringing Pakistan to what he called "the verge of destabilization." VOA's Barry Newhouse reports from Islamabad that Mr. Musharraf's critics say the move undermines democracy and will inflame militants.

Soldiers stand guard in front of the administrative center of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, 03 Nov 07

The president cited rising violence from Islamic militants and a series of judicial decisions in recent months that he said have demoralized law enforcement officials, set known terrorists free and undermined his efforts to move the country toward democracy.

Pervez Musharraf addresses the nation on state-run Pakistan Television on Saturday, 03 Nov 07

The Supreme Court was expected to deliver a verdict in the coming days in a case that could overturn President Musharraf's unofficial re-election last month. Mr. Musharraf has sworn in a new group of senior judges, including a new Supreme Court chief justice. He issued a provisional constitutional order that suspended some fundamental rights. And a new press ordinance bans publication of news about terrorist bombings and material that disrespects the head of state.

Mr. Musharraf's critics accused him of seizing power because he feared the Supreme Court would rule against him. "What is going to happen in Pakistan is that it's going to head towards anarchy," said Imran Khan, leader of the Movement for Justice opposition party. "There will be more militancy in the country, there will be more people picking up arms because he's blocked the legal and democratic channels through which people could express their views."

former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto addresses a news conference at her residence in Karachi, 03 Nov 07

News reports indicate several of Mr. Musharraf's critics and political opponents, including Supreme Court justices and opposition leader Khan, were detained or placed under house arrest.

On Saturday evening in front of the President's House, about 50 protesters gathered at the police barriers, repeating a phrase frequently uttered by Pakistanis who are eager for the president to step down: "Go Musharraf Go. Go Musharraf Go. Go Musharraf Go."

Nearby security forces stood idle as the protesters chanted.