More Judges Resign in Pakistan
Five more Pakistani judges resigned yesterday and hundreds of lawyers demonstrated against President General Pervez Musharraf’s controversial removal of the country’s chief justice, deepening the political mess now facing the military leader, reports The Independent.
“Musharraf suspended Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry on March 9 over unspecified allegations that he had abused his authority and now faces a growing current of public resentment over the army’s dominant role in Pakistan.
“Musharraf’s move has sparked a nationwide lawyers’ strike and angry protests by lawyers and opposition activists – drawing a forceful police response and hundreds of arrests.
” ‘I have waited a few days before addressing you, in the hope something will be done to remedy the harm done to the judicial organ of the state. It seems I have waited in vain,’ Lahore High Court Judge Jawad S. Khawaja said in a resignation letter sent to Musharraf. It was read to the Associated Press by Khawaja’s wife.”
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4 Responses to “More Judges Resign in Pakistan”
Swaraaj: what will happen if this gets out of hand? Won’t that create a situation India and the West should desperately try to avoid? I’m not a fan of Musharraf, but having Muslim radicals in power would be far, far worse.
I am no Musharraf-baiter either. However, I am a great pro-democracy fan, even with all its flaws and limitations. I sincerely believe that your worry about situation getting out of hand is not quite correct.
Yes, the situation may go out of hand for a while because an entrenched dictatorship, unless good sense prevails, would always resist to its last drop of blood, unlike in democracies where there is a smooth change of leadership.
Pakistan has lived through many a transition from the civilian rule to military rule and then back to civilian rule. Pakistanis know best how to handle the situation.
It is the blatant/aggressive/ham-handed outside interference that seriously complicates the situation. The foreign interference can at best be at a discreet diplomatic level. No foolish statements from spokesmen of foreign governments please!!!
Don’t underestimate the Pakistanis, Michael. They know how to go about their affairs. Relax…cool it…Whatever happens in Pakistan would be for the good of India and the rest of the world.
Also, if President Musharraf wishes to retain power then he should shun his uniform…join the election fray…allow exiled leaders to return to Pakistan…hold transparent elections. Better still invite reasonable/moderate Opposition leaders (who would be more than willing) and have a national government during the run up to the elections. As it is he is riding a tiger…and has very limited options.
Sorry Michael, my time’s up. No more discussion. My wife is really angry with me…we are heading for a week’s vacation in the Himalayas and I am still at the computer. She has warned me that I would not be allowed to access the computer for a week!!! So goodbye to all…for a week…
And before there is a coup in my house let me run…