Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf must have viewed the expected verdict by the Supreme Court, which was supposed to have been handed down today (Monday, 5 November), as a dark cloud hanging over his head. It is believed the justices were about to declare his re-election on 6 October illegal on the grounds that a soldier is not permitted to take public office even if he promises to quit the military.
 Troops on the streets of Islamabad following the declaration of a 'state of emergency' (photo: EPA) |
On Saturday evening Mr Musharraf declared a state of emergency, and one of the provisions made it possible for him to replace Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. The situation is more similar to a state of martial law than a state of emergency.
President Musharraf removed Chief Justice Chaudhry from his post in March, but the opposition managed to have him reinstated.
The chief justice was instrumental in securing the release of hundreds of people who had been arbitrarily imprisoned after disappearing. All of them had been kidnapped by Pakistan's powerful intelligence agencies. He also prevented the privatisation of various companies, denying large profits to the Pakistani elite.
Eight of the state of emergency's 11 provisions are directed against the Supreme Court, which is accused of sabotaging the fight against terrorism. However, many observers believe that the state of emergency, which is being described as General Musharraf's second coup (he seized power in 1999), is playing into the hands of extremists in Pakistan.
Alienated
Political analyst and former general Talat Masood believes that militants will benefit from the situation. In an interview conducted by phone he said:
Pakistan faces an increasing 'Talibanisation' of its regions bordering Afghanistan. Police and security forces have been sent to fight extremists, but so far with little success. There are an increasing number of attacks against security forces, not only in the border areas but in other parts of the country as well.
At the same time, fewer people are willing to take part in what is considered a conflict that belongs to the United States and the West. Last week hundreds of paramilitary troops demonstrated in Swat, where a powerful religious extremist has been consolidating his power for years. They told Pakistani media that they were no longer willing to fight their own people.
Street protests
So far the widespread dissatisfaction has not led to large demonstrations. The man in the street is not yet fully aware of what the state of emergency implies. There is also a good deal of fear of terrorist attacks. More than 130 people were killed last month when an explosion ripped through a crowd of people who had gathered to greet opposition leader Benazir Bhutto upon her return to Pakistan.
The demonstrations called for by political parties have so far not materialised. However groups of lawyers have demonstrated and have called for a nationwide strike.
Shocked
Political analyst Hassan Askari Rizvi says that former prime minister Bhutto is not showing her hand. She returned to Pakistan after making a deal with General Musharraf. Ms Bhutto promised to support President Musharraf in exchange for the dropping of charges against her. "She has done nothing to suggest that she will be a threat to Musharraf." His colleague Masood says that although the Americans are shocked by the state of emergency, they will tolerate it to an extent.
Most analysts believe that the state of emergency has only served to weaken President Musharraf's position.
"He may look stronger, but in reality he's much weaker. The government is growing weaker. People don't support him."
* RNW translation (fs)
Tags: Bhutto, Iftikhar Chaudhry, Martial Law, Musharraf, Pakistan, State of Emergency