Mr Dermot Ahern, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs, today expressed his concern about the proclamation of a State of Emergency in Pakistan and called for peaceful transition towards democracy and civilian rule.

‘I am deeply concerned about the declaration of a State of Emergency in Pakistan by President Musharraf on 3 November, the suspension of Pakistan’s Constitution and the imposition of wide-ranging restrictions on the media and the Supreme Court. It is essential that every effort be made to reinstate the Constitution, to lift restrictions on the media and the judiciary, and to return to the democratic process and early elections, in order to pave the way for a peaceful transition to democratic government in Pakistan’.

‘In the meantime I continue to advise Irish citizens only to travel to Pakistan on essential business and to remain alert to what is an uncertain and unpredictable situation. Irish citizens in Pakistan are urged to exercise extreme caution and vigilance at all times and to communicate their contact details to the Irish Honorary Consul in Karachi’.

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Press

5/11/07