A former Indian Intelligence Bureau chief said General Musharraf would have taken permission from the United States before imposing emergency in Pakistan.

Speaking to rediff.com, Ajit Doval said the mute reaction of the United States clearly showed the US could have given permission.

He, however, felt that the repercussions of the act would have greater impact in Pakistan than Jammu and Kashmir [Images].

Doval said Musharraf may have used a number of attacks, including the attempt on the life of former premier Benazir Bhutto [Images] as reasons to impose martial law in the country. Doval said the dismissal of Chief Justice of Pakistan Ifthikar Chaudhary, who was leading the movement for restoration of democracy, was going to be a major development.
 
Besides, he said, Musharraf would have to deal with problems in Baluchistan and other provinces.

The move, Doval said, once again re-established that Pakistan Army had a big role to play in its national politics.

"Now he will re-emerge in the uniform. But I personally feel that he is not going to emerge stronger than he was at one stage," Doval said.