ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf declared a countrywide state of emergency Saturday, suspending the constitution and dismissing the Pakistan Supreme Court's chief justice for the second time.


President Pervez Musharraf explains his actions in a televised address Saturday.

The country is at a critical and dangerous juncture -- threatened by rising tensions and spreading terrorism, Musharraf said in a televised address to the nation after declaring martial law.

He also warned Pakistan is going through "some very rapid changes."

Despite immediate condemnation from within and outside his country, he insisted his actions were for the good of Pakistan and the move was to stabilize unrest.

The Supreme Court declared the state of emergency illegal, claiming Musharraf -- who also is Pakistan's military chief -- had no power to suspend the constitution, Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry said.

Shortly afterward, government troops came to Chaudhry's office and told him the president had dismissed him from his job.

Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar was quickly appointed to replace him, according to state television.

It was the second time Chaudhry was removed from his post. His ousting by Musharraf in May prompted massive protests, and he was later reinstated.

Musharraf was re-elected president in October, but the election is not yet legally official, because the Supreme Court is hearing constitutional challenges to Musharraf's eligibility filed by the opposition.

The next 5-year term is scheduled to begin November 15.A former Pakistani P.M. call the developments in his country 'disturbing'.


Meanwhile, popular opposition leader Imran Khan said early Sunday that police surrounded his house in Lahore, barged in and told him he was under house arrest.

Musharraf also had Khan placed under house arrest during a government crackdown in March 2006.

Asked about Musharraf's actions Saturday, Khan said, "We are going to oppose this in every way."

"None of us accept ... this whole drama about emergency."

Khan said he believed Musharraf declared a state of emergency because he feared Pakistan's Supreme Court would rule against the results of the October election.

"Everyone knew that the general was in trouble with the Supreme Court," Khan said.