Pakistan orders UK reporters out

Three reporters from the Telegraph newspaper group have been ordered to leave Pakistan within 72 hours.

Deputy Information Minister Tariq Azim Khan said Isambard Wilkinson, Colin Freeman and Damien McElroy were told to leave because of offensive coverage.

President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency a week ago, blaming militant violence and interference by the judiciary.

The Telegraph said it was trying to establish the facts of the situation.

A spokeswoman for the group said there was no comment at this stage, but a statement is expected later.

The Foreign Office said it was aware that three journalists were advised to leave Pakistan and it was seeking clarification.

It added: "We believe media freedom is essential to economic and social development and stability, and actively support the evolution of a free and fair press in Pakistan."