Pakistani gov't toppled in military coup

0 Comments | Asian Political News, Oct 18, 1999

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 13 Kyodo

Pakistan's army removed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and all ministers of his government Tuesday to save a "deteriorating situation," army chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf announced early Wednesday.

In a nationally televised address, Musharraf said the army had moved in as a "last resort" because all the institutions were being systematically destroyed by the Sharif government.

He did not declare a martial law, however.

"I wish to inform you that the armed forces have moved in as a last resort, to prevent further destabilization," Musharraf said.

The situation is "perfectly calm, stable and under control," he said a few hours after the army's bloodless coup.

Sharif on Tuesday afternoon announced he had fired Musharraf as chief of the army staff and replaced him with intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Ziauddin Butt.

After the coup, state television broadcast martial songs with an announcement that "the Nawaz Sharif government has been dismissed."

Musharraf accused Sharif of following "self-serving policies" and trying to politicize the army, destabilize it and create dissension within its ranks.

He did not refer to the whereabouts of Sharif. Earlier reports said Sharif and his younger brother Shahbaz Sharif, chief minister of Punjab Province, have been detained by troops in the prime minister's residence in Islamabad.

State television broadcast an announcement that the central bank has ordered all commercial banks to remain closed Wednesday, an indication that an investigation into the assets of the Sharif family and other prominent politicians has been launched.

Troops loyal to Musharraf seized the international airports, key government installations and official buildings within less than two hours of the announcement of his dismissal.

Musharraf was traveling back from Sri Lanka when his dismissal was announced. He said his plane landed in Karachi after the army thwarted government efforts to block the landing.

"Let no outside force think they can take advantage of the prevailing situation," Musharraf said in his speech. The armed forces shall never let down the people, he said.

He urged the people to remain calm and support the army in the reestablishment of order in the country.