Islamabad, Nov 6 : President Pervez Musharraf's decision to impose an emergency is an internal matter, the Pakistan Foreign Office has said, rejecting a wave of international criticism.

"We understand that many of our friends have commented on the proclamation of emergency in the country, which is first and foremost an internal matter of Pakistan," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq said.

"Musharraf has stated that our friends should show understanding of the ground conditions and the serious challenges that we face in the shape of extremism and terrorism," a foreign news agency quoted Sadiq, as saying.

Earlier, while briefing foreign envoys, Musharraf refused to specify a timeframe for the general elections and for doffing his uniform.

He said these were important decisions, and he would decide after consulting experts, sources said.

Musharraf briefed the envoys on his phase-wise approach towards restoring democracy. It was Musharraf’s second consecutive briefing to envoys in the last two days.

Musharraf urged the envoys to understand Pakistan’s situation, and reiterated that the judiciary had been creating hurdles in the smooth functioning of the government.

Major General Qureshi said the envoys understood Musharraf’s "reasons" for imposing the emergency. (ANI)