Mrs VALE —My question is addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Minister, would you inform the House of the government's response to developments in Pakistan overnight?

Mr DOWNER (Foreign Affairs) —I thank the honourable member for Hughes for her question and for her interest in this issue. I can confirm to the House that the Pakistan military has seized control of the government, but the situation remains fluid and unclear and our High Commissioner and High Commission in Islamabad is continuing to monitor developments. There are unconfirmed reports that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is under house arrest after his failed attempt to dismiss the Chief of the Pakistani Army Staff, General Musharraf. There are also reports that Pakistan is now under martial law with army units in control of key government installations including radio, television and airports. There have also been some unconfirmed reports of gunfire, although generally the situation remains calm in Pakistani cities. General Musharraf, who appeared on television last night to declare the army had seized control of the government, indicated the situation was calm, stable and under control.

Australia is deeply concerned at the unconstitutional overthrow of a democratically elected government in Pakistan. Australia calls for the earliest restoration of democracy to Pakistan and that the constitution and the rule of law be respected. The Australian High Commission is contacting Australian citizens resident in Pakistan to urge them to exercise caution and limit unnecessary movement. There are around 470 Australians registered with the High Commission. Honourable members may be interested to know that my department is in the process of issuing a new travel advisory note for Pakistan.