Beyond emergency rule
Editorial
Dawn, 5 November
SATURDAY’S declaration of emergency rule has put an abrupt end to the government’s policy of ‘enlightened moderation’, as borne out by detention of dozens of civil society members within 24 hours of the proclamation. It is ironical that such natural allies against the forces of extremism should now be seen, together with the independent media and the judiciary, as a threat to state power. Both had asserted their freedom, which admittedly tried the patience of the executive. While the independent electronic media did not have the satisfaction of going down laughing on Saturday evening when news channels and radio stations were taken off air, the Supreme Court did. Though in vain, seven judges served a restraining order, barring the government from imposing emergency rule minutes after the issuance of the Provisional Constitutional Order. The restrictions placed on the judiciary and the media have since been validated by several judges of the higher courts who took fresh oaths under the PCO, paving the way for sacking those who did not oblige. However, it comes as a surprise that some of the judges involved in granting bails
to those Gen Musharraf referred to as terrorists in his speech — and which he made out to be one of the reasons for putting the Constitution in abeyance — were required to and took oath under the PCO.
The road ahead to transition to democracy, which the president promised in his speech as still being one of his missions to be accomplished, has nonetheless been queered. One is tempted to say this because the action expected of the law enforcement agencies and the security forces against extremists holding the people hostage, say, in Swat and elsewhere, has remained elusive. This, even though the judiciary, which was cited as a restraining factor, has now acquiesced in the matter. The state apparatus was quick to apprehend some politicians and members of civil society, ostensibly because it expected least resistance from such individuals. This policy of taking action only where it is so very convenient is least likely to rein in the militants and the terrorists who are the real threat to the writ of the state and to society. We have repeatedly urged the government to show zero tolerance towards such elements, condoning even the use of force if that is the only way to curb their anti-social activities.
That said, the momentum created in the country in the run-up to parliamentary elections prior to the imposition of emergency rule must be allowed to continue unhindered. This is necessary to keep the public sentiment at ease and to salvage whatever trust the people may still have in the continuation of the democratic process, which the president has promised. The existing assemblies should be dissolved at the appointed time and credible caretaker administration sworn in to oversee the next election which should be held sooner than later. The curbs on media should also be withdrawn forthwith. This is the least the people expect of Gen Musharraf when he says it was for the country’s interest alone that he was forced to resort to emergency rule.
Dawn, 5 November
SATURDAY’S declaration of emergency rule has put an abrupt end to the government’s policy of ‘enlightened moderation’, as borne out by detention of dozens of civil society members within 24 hours of the proclamation. It is ironical that such natural allies against the forces of extremism should now be seen, together with the independent media and the judiciary, as a threat to state power. Both had asserted their freedom, which admittedly tried the patience of the executive. While the independent electronic media did not have the satisfaction of going down laughing on Saturday evening when news channels and radio stations were taken off air, the Supreme Court did. Though in vain, seven judges served a restraining order, barring the government from imposing emergency rule minutes after the issuance of the Provisional Constitutional Order. The restrictions placed on the judiciary and the media have since been validated by several judges of the higher courts who took fresh oaths under the PCO, paving the way for sacking those who did not oblige. However, it comes as a surprise that some of the judges involved in granting bails
to those Gen Musharraf referred to as terrorists in his speech — and which he made out to be one of the reasons for putting the Constitution in abeyance — were required to and took oath under the PCO.
The road ahead to transition to democracy, which the president promised in his speech as still being one of his missions to be accomplished, has nonetheless been queered. One is tempted to say this because the action expected of the law enforcement agencies and the security forces against extremists holding the people hostage, say, in Swat and elsewhere, has remained elusive. This, even though the judiciary, which was cited as a restraining factor, has now acquiesced in the matter. The state apparatus was quick to apprehend some politicians and members of civil society, ostensibly because it expected least resistance from such individuals. This policy of taking action only where it is so very convenient is least likely to rein in the militants and the terrorists who are the real threat to the writ of the state and to society. We have repeatedly urged the government to show zero tolerance towards such elements, condoning even the use of force if that is the only way to curb their anti-social activities.
That said, the momentum created in the country in the run-up to parliamentary elections prior to the imposition of emergency rule must be allowed to continue unhindered. This is necessary to keep the public sentiment at ease and to salvage whatever trust the people may still have in the continuation of the democratic process, which the president has promised. The existing assemblies should be dissolved at the appointed time and credible caretaker administration sworn in to oversee the next election which should be held sooner than later. The curbs on media should also be withdrawn forthwith. This is the least the people expect of Gen Musharraf when he says it was for the country’s interest alone that he was forced to resort to emergency rule.
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