Najam Sethi’s
Remarks on Martial Law
By Dr. Ghayur Ayub
London, UK
Writing in a national
daily newspaper Mr. Najam Sethi warned that if
the Supreme Court did not validate the election
results, Gen. Musharaf may impose martial law.
It seems that the learned writer ignored the fact
that the ineffective measures taken by Musharaf
against terrorism have changed the mood in the
West. This, and the falling grace of the army
in the eyes of vast majority of Pakistanis and
the emerging resentment within the rank and file
of the armed forces will make it extremely difficult
for General Musharraf to impose Martial Law.
In simple words, the element of fear has evaporated
from the vast majority of the public. So Martial
Law in the present scenario would be ineffective
as the public will take up arms against their
own army with disastrous results. There were tears
in my eyes when the BBC interviewed three army
officers who were captured by the tribesmen along
with their 250 Jawans in broad daylight. Can Mr
Sethi imagine the nerve-shattering experience
of the army men who watch their helpless colleagues
captured by their own countrymen? Would Martial
Law be still effective in such circumstances?
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