The situation is deteriorating day by day. In his first speech the dictator had said that the democracy in Pakistan was mere a label of democracy not the essence of it. After around 6 years of his illegitimate rule Pakistan is more far from democracy then ever. Where is the democracy he wanted to introduce in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s democratic deficit: Daily Times
Thanks to the inept governance of Nawaz Sharif, General Pervez Musharraf’s coup was acclaimed by the turncoats of Punjab. Many other people were also impressed by his verbal ‘sound and fury’.** However, Musharraf is now making it clear that he is only interested in self-perpetuation of his rule by hook or by crook. This is another ominous milestone in our tragic history.**
Two recent developments have put this country on a predictably perilous course which would effectively deny the people self-governance besides deepening the civil-military divide. First, the NSC, which is supposed to prolong the military rule regardless of the massive collateral damage to civilian institutions including the parliament. It is a reflection of our character that the so-called-bill was passed with indecent haste by the supporters of General Musharraf in the legislature.
The opposition does not only oppose the bill; it does not accept its legitimacy. Seen in this light, the passage of the bill is another blow to the constitution and the political system for ensuring the rule of law. It also reflects the insecurity experienced at the highest level by the ‘patriots’.
Second, out of naiveté, the Police Order 2002 was promulgated. The NRB had claimed that the new system would ensure a police which is law-abiding and free from feudal manipulation. Such a police is found in free and democratic countries where no authority, civilian or army, can dare to influence the law enforcement agencies.
However, General Musharraf himself misused the police during the sham referendum he held. The police was used to ensure a resounding victory for General Musharraf. The widespread misuse of state machinery, particularly the police, must have convinced him of his invincibility while he continued wearing his uniform. He no longer cares about democracy or the power of the people. Naturally, his (imagined) preference for a neutral police disappeared as soon as he realised the significance of manipulating the law-enforcement agencies.
The next part of his script entailed holding national elections according to the Supreme Court judgment. By then, General Musharraf had become an awkward ally of the US post-9/11. Assured of US support in lieu of Pakistan’s assistance in the war on terror, he put together what can be at best called a tailored democracy and a regime which included a number of opportunists. Since his dictatorship had become kosher for the US, this entire show was called and accepted as a step towards representative government. In search of support against the mainstream parties that he practically excluded from the political arena, he even helped the MMA acquire political clout. He now feels like the lion in a jungle, defying the constitution and banking on ‘his men’ to protect special interests. The police will now be under the provincial chief ministers. Those in power at present have been hand-picked by Musharraf. They are not controlled by any political party or law and know that their position depends on support from the military.
The original intentions of NRB were to create a police system based on the Japanese system of policing where democratic control is exercised over the police through Public Safety Commissions rather than provincial chief executives. Those commissions, at the national and prefectural levels, comprise members with unimpeachable integrity. However, we can be certain that the commissions in Pakistan will not be allowed to operate this independently.
The Superintendent Police has now been placed under the district nazim. The latter of course will owe loyalty to General Musharraf. As confusion prevailed till now, honest police officers have ignored the efforts by nazims to influence the workings of the police. But now the nazims have been empowered. One should expect a deluge of corruption, lawlessness and factional interests ruling the districts. Most honest officers may be compelled to move aside, allowing the corrupt ones to move in who will comply with politically motivated instructions.
Democracy is about functioning under a constitution. Rule of law guarantees equality and protection while the right of dissent acquires sacrosanct status. In our case, too many people consider that Article 6 of the constitution should be invoked against General Musharraf. Despite all its manipulation, the regime lacks legitimacy. This is creating despondency in political circles. Wali Khan predicts that the US is interested in creating a ‘Pakhtoonistan’ while Mumtaz Bhutto wants the implementation of the Lahore Resolution of 1940. The Baluch nationalist leaders feel stifled by the army regime, whereas Ataullah Mengal wants a new constitution drafted. These are dangerous trends. If the popular parties become restive, this will have grave consequences for Pakistan. What we have sown in the tribal belt may come to haunt us in due course. Add to all this, the political victimisation of opponents and the nuclear scientists and a boiling cauldron of troubles is at hand.
**
If General Musharraf, despite his blatant love of power, still believes in, ‘Pakistan first’, he should develop the fear of God. Remembering Yahya Khan’s blind bid for power, he should avoid repeating history.**