Some reasons for imposition of State of Emergency in Pakistan

Pakistan is witnessing a period of political turmoil and uncertainty. President Musharraf’s decision to impose state of emergency under PCO has apparently created rumpus within the country. Additionally international forces have expressed deep concerns over the future of democracy in Pakistan. It would be pertinent to examine the major factors which forced Musharraf to take such a drastic measure

President Musharraf decision to impose state of emergency, though unconstitutionally, was probably the most viable option available under mirky political circumstances. The problem of religious extremism was simmering much before Musharraf took over power in 1999. The so called democratic elected governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif condoned the burgenoning militancy taking roots in different parts of the country. It is hard to forget skirmishes and murders between different sectarian groups in the country. While the problem of Islamic fundamentalism was getting out of control, our democratic leaders were engaged in looting national wealth . The civilian leaders had no qualms in squandering national assets at the cost of pushing further millions of poor people into vicious circle of poverty, alienation, illiteracy, bad health and deprivation. Now seeing the same leaders pointing fingers at President for being soft on extremists is bit bizarre.

In fact, President Musharaf, being a true patriot, is endeavoring incessantly to safeguard national security. The army is trying hard to crush the rising threat of militancy in different parts of the country. Another factor which contributed towards the state of emergency was the political mayhem created by directionless opposition parties and rebellious judiciary. The wave of judicial activism which hit Pakistan in early 2007 has been positive development for promotion of rule of law and independence of judiciary. However section of legal community challenged the writ of the state driven by their own political or personal agendas. The air of uncertainty, created by several petitions under review by Supreme Court for President eligibility to serve as head of state, gave an ideal opportunity to anti state elements to spread extremism and hatred in the society.

Benazir Bhutto’s appearance on political scene, after years of self exile on corruption charges, further added to political instability. What worth a politician is who is always looking towards Americans for support?

President Musharraf acted prudently by imposing state of emergency in order to tackle the various threats being posed by anti state elements. Millions of Pakistanis are with him to support his efforts to make Pakistan a better place where every body has the right to live a decent and respectable life. Democracy or no democracy, there can be no compromise over the issues concerning national integrity and security.