November 3, 2007

• President Musharraf, in his capacity as the COAS, imposes a state of emergency in the country.

• New Provisional Constitution Order issued, putting constitution in ‘abeyance’. Seven articles of constitution relating to fundamental rights suspended.

• President says he acted after consultations with the PM, corps commanders.

• Lawyers, opposition declare the move ‘virtual martial law’. Many leading lawyers arrested.

• Local and foreign news channels go off air on government’s order.

• Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who was reinstated on July 20, removed along with several other judges. All placed under house arrest.

• Before their detention, CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry and a 7-member bench headed by him issue an order to reject PCO and restrain COAS, president, PM and corps commanders from any unconstitutional action.

Nov 4• CM Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi justifies emergency rule.

Nov 5• Benazir Bhutto condemns emergency, rules out talks with Musharraf.• Newly appointed CJP Justice Abdul Hamid Dogar says no restraining order issued by any SC bench.

Nov 6• PM Shaukat Aziz justifies emergency rule; says elections will be held on time.

Nov 12• Minister Sheikh Rasheed says Article 58-2(b) to remain forever.

Nov 14• COAS asks Supreme Court to validate emergency, PCO.

Nov 15• COAS Musharraf authorises President Musharraf to lift emergency.

Nov 22• An SC bench headed by CJ Dogar rejects petitions challenging Musharraf’s candidature in presidential elections.

Nov 28• Gen Musharraf doffs military uniform, takes oath as civilian president.

Dec 14• Emergency lifted, PCO withdrawn.

Dec 15• President Musharraf further amends constitution through Article 270(AAA) to indemnify his emergency order.