Emergency,
a Correct Decision
By Syed Ashraf Ali
President
Pakistani American Arts Council
Los Angeles, CA
ashrafpakistani@aol.com
The superior judiciary of
Pakistan paralyzed various organs of the State
and created impediments in the fight against terrorism,
which led to imposition of emergency. Indisputably,
Pakistan was facing challenges because of certain
decisions of the superior judiciary. This situation
could hardly be acceptable.
The law-enforcement authorities and provincial
governments faced obstacles in maintaining internal
security and sustaining the fight against terrorism.
We are all familiar with the sincere efforts that
were made since 1999in a phased manner to move
towards complete democracy -. the first phase
from 1999 to 2002 when president Musharraf was
in full control of the government’s affairs.
This phase was followed by the second phase from
2002-07 when an elected parliament was functioning
along with provincial assemblies and local governments
and the president’s role was confined to
advise the government on various issues of national
importance. President Pervez Musharraf has reaffirmed
his commitment to hold election and to ensure
the transition to complete democracy.
The Pakistani American Arts Council urges the
global community to understand the ground realities
in Pakistan and the decisions taken to stabilize
the situation in the country. The outside world
should also be cognizant of the fact that the
media in some cases tended to be helping the cause
of the extremists and terrorists by showing the
gory scenes of suicide bombings that only encouraged
these elements to carry on with their heinous
acts.
The President of Pakistan took a difficult decision
in the national interest of Pakistan to ensure
effective governance, maintain the writ of the
government, enforce law and order, and ensure
security to avert the decline in economic growth.
The new measures would ensure that there was harmonious
functioning between the major pillars of the state
and the armed forces of the country.
Pakistan always comes first.
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