The Pakistani press is reporting General Pervez Musharraf is considering imposing emergency rule in Pakistan, citing external and internal threats facing the country. Such a decree could restrict freedom of speech and movement. This year’s elections could also be postponed or suspended. Some critics of Musharraf say the move might be an attempt for him to cling to power amid separate challenges from the country’s secular pro-democracy movement and from Islamic groups. General Musharraf has ruled Pakistan since 1999, when he seized power in a military coup. Top Pakistani officials have given conflicting accounts on the possibility of emergency rule. Pakistan’s information minister said it has been discussed; however, the head of Musharraf’s Pakistan Muslim League said there was “no possibility” of such a move.