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National Security Council of Pakistan Created
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has issued an executive order, giving the president boundless powers through a newly devised National Security Council, CNN report says.
The creation of the security council places Musharraf as its chairman and includes the heads of all three services -- the navy, army and air force -- and the governors of the nation's four provinces.
The position of president traditionally is one of a figurehead, with actual powers lying with the prime minister.
The president also can appoint members himself, and he reserves the right to sack anyone at his pleasure, according to the government-controlled news agency, APP.
The security council has a wide range of authority and will give advice to the president on issues relating to national security, sovereignty, Islamic ideology, and the integrity and solidarity of the country. Musharraf installed himself as Pakistan's president two weeks ago, but first took power in a 1999 military coup that removed his elected predecessor.
Under Pakistan's constitution, the president is essentially a figurehead, with power lying with the prime minister and parliament, which has since been dissolved.
But Musharraf has been tightening his controls, and Wednesday's midnight move furthers his grip. Previously he had exercised power as chief executive, but now he will be able exercise all power.
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