Agency report
Islamabad, Dec 15 (mb): Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf lifted Emergency rule on Saturday in a move Western nations hope will stabilise the nuclear-armed State as Islamic militant violence spirals.
Information Minister Nisar Memon described it as a 'historic day,' saying that next month's parliamentary elections would help the country's return to democracy.
Musharraf will address the nation on TV and radio on Saturday night.
But critics say curbs on the media and judiciary mean that he can still manipulate a January 8 general election win for his allies and secure a power base despite his unpopularity.