Pakistan’s security services on Sunday made a series of high profile arrests of key politicians and activists after President Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency rule in a bid to reassert his authority.

General Musharraf said he decided to act late on Saturday night in response to a rise in extremism. “I fear that if timely action is not taken, then God forbid there is a threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty,” said General Musharraf. “I cannot allow this country to commit suicide”.