The Supreme Court of Pakistan has asked former president Pervez Musharraf to explain his decision in November 2007 to impose emergency rule.
The notice was issued after hours of debate in the courtroom over whether it was appropriate to make him a party to a case challenging his actions then.
He imposed emergency rule, suspended the constitution and dismissed about 60 judges after challenges to his power.
Mr Musharraf does not have to appear in person in court and can send a lawyer.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has summoned General Musharraf to explain why he dismissed the court and imposed “emergency” rule in 2007. One can only wonder what the good general will say but one thing is for sure, the Army will probably not be forthcoming in allowing its former chief to be dragged into court. The next few weeks are going to be interesting.
The superior judiciary either looked the other way or upheld the coup d’état and legalised the dictators’ violations of the constitution. Generals Ziaul Haq and Pervez Musharraf may not have abrogated the constitution, but they mauled it by stripping it of its parliamentary character. However, the Nov 3, 2007 post-emergency period ushered in a new era that saw an unprecedented struggle by the bench and the bar for upholding fundamental constitutional values and waging an uncompromising struggle for the restoration of the judges sacked by Gen Musharraf.
With the judiciary restored and a democratic government in power, it is time the courts and the country looked ahead. Once in a while even a system overseen by a dictator can produce sensible measures. Consider for example the issues of greater representation for women and minorities, an independent election commission and the abolition of separate electorates. All these were introduced by the Musharraf regime and must be judged on merit.
One wishes our generals, too, had the courage to confess to their crimes and apologise to the nation. In the past there have been suggestions from ex-servicemen that generals involved in dismissing governments apologise to the nation; however, regretfully, such sentiments are always voiced after retirement. Pakistan is now at a crossroads. The task before all sections of the people, especially leaders in politics, judiciary, academia and media, is to strengthen democracy and consolidate constitutionalism to a point where no general would again think of betraying the nation’s trust and arrogating to himself the right to rule.
Jawwad at Mental Projections:
The music has started. Lets see what happens. But, why should we stop dreaming a better future? but what i want to see is … when our chief justice is going to look at NRO thing? Does he care about NRO? when he is going to look at the corruption done by Nawaz Sharif during 90’s? I do not think this judiciary care what Mr. Zardari is doing around? how can i expect justice from this judicial system, which allow corruption inside this system itself and i even don’t think anything going to happen, SC only call him because of their personal issues.
