Residents of the Pakistani capital on Saturday awoke to a gloomy and overcast morning that reflected the sombre mood of the nation following the imposition of emergency by President Pervez Musharraf [Images] to consolidate his flagging authority.

Most people remained indoors till late afternoon due to the uncertainty created by the embattled military ruler's move to suspend the constitution and fundamental rights.

Traffic on the streets of the city was thin and markets opened later than usual for a Sunday. Large contingents of policemen were deployed at markets and public places as security forces in the capital and other cities across the country remained on high alert to quell any possible protests against the emergency.

 Lawyers and opposition parties like the Pakistan People's Party have condemned the emergency and said they would oppose it, but there were few signs of people being mobilised for any public protests.

A crackdown launched against members of the legal fraternity and opposition leaders has already led to the house arrest or detention of cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, rights activist Asma Jahangir, PML-N's acting chief Javed Hashmi and senior lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan, who had played a key role in protests against Musharraf.

Observers noted that it was unlikely any protests could be organised while the lawyers and opposition leaders were being targeted by the government.
On the other hand, the common man was struggling to come to grips with the emergency and its implications.

"I don't even know what exactly will happen in this situation. I am not even aware how it will affect my life, either for good or bad," said Rasheed Ahmed, a driver.

Many people, especially the less privileged, made a beeline for the weekly Sunday market on the outskirts of the national capital to stock up essential items.

"I usually go to the bazaar in a bus but today the bus was so packed that I had to spend extra money for a taxi. And even the market was crowded with people who feared the
emergency might create a shortage of supplies. I bought enough vegetables and other food items to last at least a week," said Humera, a domestic help.

Most people were upset with the blackout imposed on TV news channels, which are very popular across the country.

"Since channels are taken off the air, we have had very little access to credible information about the latest developments. All we can watch is Pakistan Television," said a shop-keeper in the Jinnah Super Market who did not want to give his name.

There were strong security pickets in the vicinity of the Lal Masjid, the scene of a military operation against militants in July, and the nearby sensitive Aabpara locality.

Police and paramilitary troops set up posts near the state-run radio and television stations as well as luxury hotels in the capital.

Troops also restricted access to the Constitution avenue, the boulevard along which the Parliament and Supreme Court are located.