Why musharraf alone

In doing so the so-called 'doctrine of necessity' will still seem to be playing itself out, where the popular will can be seen as replacing the shackles put on the judiciary by autocratic rulers earlier on.

It is well worth asking what, then, has changed since the dawn of this new brave era of democracy, post-Musharraf? Public memory anywhere is short-lived. In Pakistan it is also steered by the shortsightedness of those who insist on erasing it from the record altogether. The transition to democracy is hardly a fait accompli as we speak. Democratic institutions weakened by Gen Musharraf's tinkering with the constitution are far from being stable entities today.

While anyone in their right mind must blame the general for the mess at hand, the judiciary should also show the moral courage to shoulder its part of the blame.

The fact that it was the Supreme Court headed by the same honourable chief justice which gave Gen Musharraf the right to amend the constitution single-handedly in May cannot be overlooked. This was far more than what the then chief executive had expected to get from the apex court; he had just sought indemnity for the cir. The general himself did not stage the coup from mid-air, aboard a PIA commercial flight which was not even in Pakistani airspace when the Brigade struck to depose the prime minister.

How could the same judge s now be prevailed upon by those wishing to settle vendetta against the general to indict and punish him for a deed, and all that followed it, for which he was only partially responsible? When the dust kicked up by Musharraf's opponents settles, public sensibilities based on moral grounds can equally challenge the judiciary's acquiescence in the whole sordid affair.

Can the judiciary survive yet another fall from grace in the public eye that history books will ultimately assign it if it succumbs to the temptation of punishing someone who was also its tormentor? Speaking of tormentors and violators of the constitution, and of public trust, there have been many. Any attempt at retribution in the past has only remained just that. Remember the post Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report, which has only gathered dust all these years?

No one, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's fiercest opponents, has had the courage to act on the facts ascertained in that document, and bring those held culpable to justice. Pakistan reiterates call for US to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets. In Afghanistan, 3. Afghanistan mosque bombing leaves at least 2 dead, 15 wounded. Taliban have all-inclusive government in Afghanistan, claims acting foreign minister.

Pakistan vows to strengthen ties with Taliban government in Afghanistan. We use cookies in a limited and restricted manner for specific purposes. The official inquiry lasted just a few days and focused exclusively on the manner of her killing, whether by gunshot or bomb. Everyone believes Musharraf is hiding things. Finally, Musharraf must answer the accusations of corruption that have further tarnished his reputation. It is true that economic indicators were more positive during his mandate, particularly the record high reached by the Karachi stock exchange.

Meanwhile, the martial law instated last November certainly hurt the country. Musharraf stressed his successes in terms of security. Yet, here too, I see no improvement during his reign. Suicide attacks have never ceased. Nonetheless, despite all his failings, I still preferred Musharraf to the pair that will now lead the country, Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.

Those two are notorious crooks.