A Pakistani leader, addressing the nation, explains the rationale behind declaring a state of emergency. He cites escalating terrorism and extremism, a paralyzed governance system hampered by judicial activism, and obstacles to democratic transition as critical threats to Pakistan’s stability and progress. The leader emphasizes his commitment to Pakistan’s well-being above all else and assures the public that the emergency measures are necessary to restore order and advance democratic goals. He appeals for national unity and understanding, while also seeking international support. Ultimately, he frames his actions as a necessary, albeit drastic, measure to safeguard the nation’s future.

A state of emergency was declared by President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf on 3 November 2007 which lasted until 15 December 2007, during which the Constitution of Pakistan was suspended. When the state of emergency was declared, Musharraf controversially held both positions of President and Chief of Army Staff.

He later resigned as Army Chief 25 days into the emergency on 28 November. The state of emergency and its responses are generally attributed to the controversies surrounding the re-election of Musharraf during the presidential election on 6 October 2007, including his holding of both offices of President and Chief of Army Staff at the time.

Pakistan at a Crossroads: A Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.

1. According to the speaker, what are the primary internal conflicts plaguing Pakistan?
2. How does the speaker describe the state of the governance system in Pakistan?
3. What three-stage transition strategy for democracy did the speaker implement, and at what stage did it stall?
4. What examples does the speaker provide to demonstrate the growing threat of extremism?
5. What are the key issues the speaker identifies with the judiciary’s actions?
6. What specific incident involving the Lal Masjid is discussed and why is it significant?
7. What action did the speaker take regarding the Presidential elections?
8. What does the speaker suggest about the role of the media in Pakistan?
9. What justification does the speaker give for declaring a state of emergency?
10. According to the speaker, what is his overriding priority and motivation in his decisions?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The speaker identifies terrorism and extremism as primary internal conflicts, leading to widespread attacks, emboldened extremists, and the imposition of their extremist religious ideas. These issues have impacted the peace of the country and pose a serious threat to the stability of Pakistan.
2. The speaker describes the governance system as semi-paralyzed, with officials preoccupied with court cases. This is due to the numerous suo motu cases and their fear of taking action, resulting in a muffled and ineffective administration.
3. The speaker’s three-stage transition strategy involved: (1) direct control of the government from 1999-2002, (2) oversight of elected governments from 2002-2007, and (3) the final transition to complete democracy in 2007, which was stalled due to internal conflicts.
4. The speaker notes that extremists are operating openly, even in Islamabad, challenging law enforcement agencies. Additionally, he cites the Lal Masjid incident as an example of extremists taking the law into their own hands and terrorizing the people.
5. The speaker criticizes the judiciary for what he considers judicial activism, which has led to clashes with the executive and legislative branches. He argues that this interference in government operations and the challenging of laws is destabilizing the country.
6. The Lal Masjid incident involved extremists who took control of the mosque, martyred and held police personnel hostage, burned property, and attacked Chinese citizens. This event, in the heart of the capital, greatly embarrassed Pakistan on the world stage.
7. The speaker was reelected as president, receiving 57 votes from the Provincial Assemblies, Senate, and National Assembly. However, the official notification was postponed due to pending legal cases against him in the Supreme Court.
8. The speaker claims that certain media channels contributed to a negative atmosphere and distrust, adding to Pakistan’s downslide. He regrets this because his government granted independence to the media, and he feels it should act responsibly toward the community.
9. The speaker declares the emergency as a necessary measure to correct the course of the country. He feels it is essential to restore order, complete the democratic transition, and address the issues of terrorism and failing institutions.
10. The speaker’s overriding priority is Pakistan, stating that it is in his heart, blood, and soul. He asserts that he will do what is necessary for the nation’s stability, even sacrificing his own life. All his decisions, he says, are made with Pakistan’s interest first.

Essay Questions

Instructions: Answer each question thoroughly and thoughtfully, drawing on the provided source material.

1. Analyze the speaker’s diagnosis of Pakistan’s problems. What are the key issues he identifies, and how does he portray their interrelationship?
2. Evaluate the speaker’s approach to democracy. How does his three-stage transition plan reflect his understanding of Pakistan’s political landscape, and what are the key challenges that he encounters?
3. Discuss the role of the judiciary as presented in the source. How does the speaker perceive the judiciary’s influence, and what impact does he believe this has on the country?
4. How does the speaker justify his decision to declare a state of emergency? Evaluate the arguments he presents in defense of this action.
5. What is the speaker’s overall vision for Pakistan’s future? Consider both the immediate concerns and his broader ambitions.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Bismillah Rahman Rahim: An Arabic phrase meaning “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” commonly used by Muslims to begin a task or speech.
• Assalam Walekum: An Arabic greeting meaning “Peace be upon you,” commonly used by Muslims.
• Suo Motu Cases: Cases taken up by a court on its own motion without a formal request from a party.
• IG (Inspector General): A high-ranking police officer responsible for a particular region or force.
• Lal Masjid: “Red Mosque,” a mosque and religious school in Islamabad, known for its extremist activities.
• Provisional Constitution Order (PCO): A temporary order or decree issued by a government, often in times of crisis or to bypass established laws.
• Judicial Activism: The practice of judges using their power to make legal decisions based on their own interpretation of social and political issues.
• Executive Branch: The part of government that carries out laws and policies, often headed by a president or prime minister.
• Legislative Branch: The part of government that makes laws, such as a parliament or congress.
• Extremism: Holding extreme political or religious views, often involving intolerance or violence.

Pakistan’s State of Emergency: A Critical Analysis

Okay, here is a detailed briefing document based on the provided text, analyzing its main themes, important ideas, and key quotes:

Briefing Document: Analysis of “Pasted Text” Speech

Date: November 3, 2007 (assuming date of the emergency declaration being discussed)

Subject: Analysis of a Public Address on the State of Pakistan

Introduction:

This document analyzes a public address delivered by a leader in Pakistan, outlining a critical situation within the country and justifying the implementation of a state of emergency. The address details a confluence of issues, including terrorism, a paralyzed government, judicial overreach, and a failing economy, culminating in a drastic decision aimed at stabilizing the nation and ensuring the continuation of a democratic transition.

Key Themes and Analysis:

1. Crisis of Instability and Internal Conflict:

• Main Idea: The speaker emphasizes that Pakistan has reached a “dangerous turning point” due to internal conflict. He argues the nation is in peril and requires “important and painful decisions.”
• Supporting Quotes:
• “Pakistan has reached a very dangerous turning point. It is a victim of internal conflict.”
• “And if I suspect that if this timely action is not taken at this time, then God forbid, the peace of Pakistan is in danger.”

1. Escalating Terrorism and Extremism:

• Main Idea: The speaker highlights the unchecked rise of terrorism and extremism, noting a surge in attacks and a feeling of impunity among extremists. He expresses particular concern about the spread of extremism even in the capital, Islamabad.
• Supporting Quotes:
• “Terrorism and extremism have reached their extreme in my view.”
• “Extremist extremists are roaming around the country with their chests puffed out and are not even afraid of the law enforcement agencies.”
• “But the sad thing is that in Islamabad, the heart of Pakistan, the capital of Pakistan, extremism has spread here too and people are very scared.”
• “They want to run their own government within the government and the worst thing is that they have their own extremist religious ideas, a fanatical thought about Islam.”

1. Paralyzed Governance and Judicial Overreach:

• Main Idea: The speaker describes a “semi-paralyzed” government, with officials preoccupied with legal battles and feeling demoralized due to what he views as excessive judicial intervention, and in turn, making the government ineffective. He specifically points to numerous suo motu cases as evidence. He criticizes the judiciary for clashing with the legislative and executive branches.
• Supporting Quotes:“In my view it is semi-paralyzed, that is it has become muffled. All the senior officials of the government are running around the courts, especially the Supreme Court.”
• “Nearly 100 suo motu cases are going on in the Supreme Court…all these suo motu cases are related to the government department.”
• “In my view, this judicial activism and the judiciary, which is one pillar of the state, clash with the other two pillars, i.e., the legislative, legislative and executive pillars of the government system, interference in it.”
• “And the government system is failed in every respect, in every way.”

1. Demoralized Law Enforcement Agencies:

• Main Idea: Law enforcement agencies, particularly in Islamabad, are described as “de-moralized” and “victims of hopelessness” due to the legal actions taken against their officers. This perceived lack of support from the judicial system has made them hesitant to act.
• Supporting Quotes:“If we look at the law enforcement agencies, in my view they are de-moralized, especially in Islamabad, they are victims of hopelessness.”
• “They have lost hope because their officers have been Punishments are being given.”

1. Interference with Democratic Transition:

• Main Idea: The speaker expresses frustration with what he sees as deliberate obstacles to Pakistan’s democratic transition, particularly in the lead up to a scheduled election that was supposed to complete the third and final phase of the transition to full democracy. He claims there is unnecessary “uproar” designed to derail progress.
• Supporting Quotes:“But in my view, I want to say with great regret that some people are interfering in this process, they are creating hurdles in it and they do not want to start it.”
• “In my view, for the benefit of life, for political benefit and for the loss of Pakistan, this unnecessary uproar is being created and obstacles are being created.”

1. Economic Downturn:

• Main Idea: The speaker laments the halt in Pakistan’s economic progress due to the current state of instability, scaring off investors. He contrasts the current decline with the previous seven years of growth in infrastructure and the social sector, citing that the lack of stability and uncertainty is holding back economic growth.
• Supporting Quotes:“The entire economy of our people is in a bad state…Pakistan has stopped. They are stopping.”
• “I am very sorry that it is God’s will that all these years of hard work may go waste.”

1. Lal Masjid Incident:

• Main Idea: The speaker details the Lal Masjid incident as a major embarrassment, noting the extremists who “took the law into their own hands” and humiliated the nation. He emphasizes the government’s reluctance to use force, while also highlighting the subsequent release of those arrested in the operation despite being identified as confirmed terrorists and that this undermines the government’s efforts to tackle extremism.
• Supporting Quotes:“The country has been embarrassed by this so much in the whole world that even though we are such a big power, we are not in control of our capital.”
• “Those madrasas which were involved in extremism have been ordered to be opened…the decision has been taken to open the places where the extremists were sitting.”
• “Now the situation is that 61 of them, who were declared black by the intelligence agency…have been released, they are roaming around freely.”

1. Disappointment with the Media:

• Main Idea: The speaker expresses disappointment with some media channels for what he perceives as adding to the atmosphere of distrust and negativity, instead of helping to stabilize the country.
• Supporting Quotes:“I would like to say that the media too, I would say that some channels and in some programs of those channels, they also did not help in stopping this down slide negativity, negative thinking, negative projection, rather they only added to this atmosphere of distrust.”
• “This does not mean that the media should be completely independent, but it should be a responsibility towards the community.”

1. Presidential Election and Legal Challenges:

• Main Idea: The speaker describes his re-election as President, where he won a vote at 57, but emphasizes that the case is still pending in the Supreme Court, contributing to uncertainty and hindering the democratic process.
• Supporting Quotes:“I am thankful that my assembly elected me by voting for me at 57…but the case is still pending.”
• “No decision is being taken on it and the uncertainty which is in a political environment is going on.”

1. Justification for Emergency:

• Main Idea: The speaker justifies declaring an emergency, stating it is necessary to correct the downward trajectory of Pakistan. He claims that it will help put the country “back on track” by bringing new directions to the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches of the government.
• Supporting Quotes:“I have taken some decisions after discussing with all the military, government, political and private officials, friends from outside Pakistan…and this decision is basically to complete the third stage of democracy.”
• “In my view, this is the easiest way. Pakistan should be put back on track as soon as possible.”

1. Reassurance and Appeal to International Community:

• Main Idea: The speaker reassures that there will be no change in government and appeals to Western nations to understand the dire situation. He asks for time and patience as Pakistan develops democracy, citing Abraham Lincoln’s actions during the US Civil War as an example of a leader taking necessary action for the sake of the nation.
• Supporting Quotes:“Let me tell you that there will be no change in the government. The Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers will all remain in their respective positions.”
• “I would ask you to kindly understand the criticality of the environment inside Pakistan and around Pakistan. Pakistan is on the verge of destabilization.”
• “I would like to say please do not expect and demand your level of democracy which you have learned over number of centuries…please give us time.”
• “I felt that measures other than the one uncontested through the preservation of the nation’s rights and I assume this ground and now that it is not we are also learning democracy we are going through a difficult stage.”

1. “Pakistan First” Principle:

• Main Idea: The speaker repeatedly states that his decisions are driven solely by the interest of Pakistan, and that Pakistan should be prioritized above all other considerations. This is a central justification for all his actions.
• Supporting Quote:“First of all, Pakistan should go beyond caste-based considerations and Pakistan First.”
• “For me and every Pakistani Pakistan comes first and anyone else’s considerations come after that.”

Conclusion:

The speech paints a picture of a nation facing a multifaceted crisis. The speaker’s justification for the emergency centers on the need to reverse a downward trend in all areas, from security and economy to governance and the democratic transition. He emphasizes a commitment to Pakistan’s stability and progress while highlighting what he views as the destabilizing actions of the judiciary and political opponents. The speech ends with a call for national unity and an assertion that he will continue to fight for Pakistan’s well-being. The speaker emphasizes his personal willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of the country.

Pakistan’s Crisis: A Turning Point

FAQ: Key Issues and Actions in Pakistan

1. What is the primary concern highlighted in the address?

The primary concern is that Pakistan has reached a dangerous turning point due to internal conflict, with a significant increase in terrorism and extremism, a semi-paralyzed governance system, demoralized law enforcement agencies, and interference with the democratic process. These issues are causing a decline in Pakistan’s progress and creating a sense of despair and disbelief among the community.

2. How is terrorism and extremism described in the speech?

Terrorism and extremism are described as having reached an extreme level, with attacks occurring throughout Pakistan, including in the capital, Islamabad. Extremists are seen as challenging the government’s authority and attempting to impose their fanatical religious views on the people, posing a direct challenge to the stability of the state.

3. What are the key problems within Pakistan’s governance system?

The governance system is described as semi-paralyzed, primarily due to senior government officials being frequently involved in court cases, particularly the Supreme Court. This has led to an environment of fear, where officials are hesitant to take action, and the system is struggling to function effectively. Furthermore, there is a backlog of numerous cases against the government in the Supreme Court.

4. What is the state of law enforcement agencies, according to the speaker?

Law enforcement agencies, particularly in Islamabad, are described as demoralized and hopeless. This is attributed to the punishment and suspension of their officers, which has resulted in a lack of action and a sense of paralysis within these agencies.

5. What democratic transition plan was in place and what obstacles were encountered?

A three-stage transition plan towards democracy was in place, initiated in 1999. The first stage involved government control, followed by a second stage of elected governments with oversight. The third and final stage was intended to culminate in a presidential election followed by general elections and a complete return to civilian rule. However, this final stage has been hindered by interference and obstacles, threatening to derail the entire transition process.

6. How has the judiciary contributed to the issues being described?

The judiciary is seen as clashing with the executive and legislative pillars of the government, with judicial activism leading to interference. The judiciary is accused of creating obstacles in the implementation of democratic processes and causing government functions to fail by taking up numerous cases against the government, and for not properly handling certain legal issues (like the reference case that was sent to them by the PM). The release of known terrorists by order of the judiciary after the Lal Masjid incident is also a source of great concern.

7. What action has been taken in response to these issues, and what is its justification?

In response, an emergency has been declared along with a Provisional Constitutional Order. This decision was made, according to the speaker, after taking stock of the entire situation and consulting various stakeholders. The justification is to remove the obstacles in the democratic process and complete the third stage of democratic transition. The speaker argues that a firm and swift action is needed to stop Pakistan from sliding into further chaos.

8. What is the speaker’s primary message to both the Pakistani people and the international community?

The speaker’s primary message to the Pakistani people is that Pakistan comes first, above all other considerations, and he calls for unity and support in moving the country forward. To the international community, especially Western nations, he requests understanding of the critical situation, emphasizes that Pakistan is a country in a difficult transitional period that needs time to develop democracy. He also draws parallels with Abraham Lincoln’s actions during the American Civil War, suggesting that extraordinary measures may be necessary to preserve the nation.

Pakistan’s Multifaceted Crisis

Pakistan is facing a multifaceted crisis, according to the speaker, characterized by internal conflict, terrorism, a dysfunctional government, and a struggling economy.

Key issues contributing to Pakistan’s crisis:

• Internal Conflict: The nation is described as a victim of internal conflict, requiring painful decisions to ensure peace.
• Terrorism and Extremism:
• Terrorist attacks are occurring throughout Pakistan.
• Extremists are operating openly, even in Islamabad, challenging law enforcement and the government with their fanatical ideas.
• These extremists seek to impose their own rule and challenge the state.
• Governance System Paralysis:
• The government is described as “semi-paralyzed” with senior officials focused on court cases, particularly in the Supreme Court.
• Numerous cases and applications against government departments are ongoing in the Supreme Court.
• Demoralized Law Enforcement:
• Law enforcement agencies, especially in Islamabad, are demoralized due to punishments and the suspension of officers.
• They have lost hope and are reluctant to take action.
• Interference with Democracy:
• Obstacles are being created in the democratic process, hindering a smooth transition.
• The speaker describes a three-stage transition to democracy, with the third stage, which was intended to complete in 2007, facing interference.
• This interference includes a reference sent to the Supreme Judicial Council against the Prime Minister’s recommendation, which the speaker views as unconstitutional.
• Economic Downturn:
• The country’s economic progress has halted and is in decline.
• Investors are hesitant due to the instability.
• Infrastructure development is suffering.
• Judicial Activism and Conflict:
• The judiciary is clashing with the legislative and executive branches of government.
• This conflict is challenging the authority of both the legislative and executive bodies.
• Lal Masjid Incident:
• Extremists took the law into their own hands at the Lal Masjid in Islamabad, leading to a crisis.
• The incident caused international embarrassment, with extremists martyring police personnel, taking hostages, and damaging property.
• Despite the government’s actions to address this, confirmed terrorists have been released and are at large.
• Presidential Election Issues:
• The Presidential elections, although conducted legally, were challenged in the Supreme Court.
• The case has been repeatedly postponed, leading to political uncertainty.
• Media Negativity: Some media channels are contributing to a negative atmosphere by promoting distrust, rather than acting responsibly.
• Public Despair and Disbelief: The community is experiencing despair and disbelief, and is questioning the government’s ability to address the situation.

Proposed Solutions and Actions:

• Emergency Declaration: An emergency has been declared to address the crisis and complete the third stage of the democratic transition.
• New Direction for State Pillars: The speaker believes a new direction is needed for the three pillars of the state: the judiciary, executive, and legislative.
• No Change in Government: The Prime Minister, Governors, and Chief Ministers will remain in their positions, and the assemblies will continue to function.
• Priority of Pakistan: All actions are to be taken with Pakistan’s best interests as the priority.
• Preservation of Democratic Transition: The speaker states that their actions are to preserve the democratic transition and prevent Pakistan from falling into further chaos.

The speaker emphasizes that these actions are necessary to stop the nation’s downward trend and to restore progress and stability. The speaker requests the international community to understand Pakistan’s critical situation and to support its efforts to stabilize.

Pakistan’s Extremist Threat

According to the speaker, terrorism and extremism have reached an extreme level in Pakistan. Here’s a breakdown of the issues:

• Prevalence of Attacks: Terrorist attacks are occurring throughout Pakistan, with increased intensity after incidents in Rawalpindi and Sargodha.
• Open Operation of Extremists: Extremists are operating openly and confidently across the country, including in Islamabad, the capital city. They are not afraid of law enforcement agencies.
• Challenge to the Government: These extremists are challenging the writ of the government and seeking to establish their own rule. They aim to impose their extremist religious ideas on the population.
• Extremist Ideology: The extremists are described as having a “fanatical thought about Islam,” which they are trying to forcefully impose on others.
• Lal Masjid Incident:Extremists took the law into their own hands at the Lal Masjid in Islamabad.
• This incident caused international embarrassment and highlighted the government’s lack of control.
• Extremists martyred police personnel, took hostages, burned shops, and even attacked Chinese citizens.
• Despite the government’s response, many confirmed terrorists were later released.
• Madrasas and Extremism:Some madrasas (religious schools) are involved in extremism.
• The government had planned to build model madrasas to provide better education and living standards for poor children.
• However, some madrasas that were involved in extremism have been ordered to be reopened.
• Ongoing Threat: The released terrorists are now at large, posing a continued threat to the country. These terrorists are a potential threat that can be linked to future bomb blasts.
• Support for Extremists: Individuals are openly showing support for terrorists and challenging the government.

The speaker views this situation as a serious challenge to the state and its citizens. The extremists are not only a threat to law and order, but also to the stability and international standing of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Governance Crisis

The speaker describes a significant failure in governance in Pakistan, characterized by a semi-paralyzed system, demoralized law enforcement, and interference with the democratic process.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the governance failure:

• Semi-Paralyzed Governance System:
• The governance system is described as “muffled” because senior officials are preoccupied with court cases, particularly in the Supreme Court.
• There are numerous cases and applications against government departments in the Supreme Court.
• This focus on legal battles has hampered the government’s ability to function effectively.
• Demoralized Law Enforcement:
• Law enforcement agencies, especially in Islamabad, are demoralized and feel hopeless due to the punishments and suspensions of their officers.
• They are hesitant to take action, preferring to remain idle, and some officers are making rounds of the Supreme Court.
• Interference with Democracy:
• Obstacles are being created in the democratic process, preventing a smooth transition.
• The speaker describes a three-stage plan for transitioning to democracy. The third stage is facing interference which includes a reference sent to the Supreme Judicial Council against the Prime Minister’s recommendation, which is viewed as unconstitutional.
• The speaker believes that some people are interfering with this democratic process and creating hurdles in it.
• Judicial Overreach and Conflict:
• The judiciary is clashing with the legislative and executive branches of government.
• This judicial activism is interfering with the functioning of the legislative and executive bodies, undermining their authority.
• The judiciary is challenging the laws made by the legislature and has led to a government system that has failed in every respect.
• The speaker suggests that the series of events that led to the governance failure began on March 9th when a reference was sent to the Supreme Judicial Council against the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
• Lal Masjid Incident and its Aftermath:
• The Lal Masjid incident is seen as a significant failure in governance, as extremists took the law into their own hands in the capital city.
• The government’s inability to maintain control is internationally embarrassing.
• Despite the government’s actions against the extremists at Lal Masjid, the situation was not resolved.
• Confirmed terrorists associated with the Lal Masjid incident were released and are now at large, posing a continuing threat.
• Presidential Election Issues:The Presidential elections, while conducted legally, faced challenges in the Supreme Court that have led to uncertainty and delays.
• The case has been repeatedly postponed, adding to the political instability and uncertainty.
• The speaker expresses that the community is in a state of hopelessness due to these postponements.
• Government Ineffectiveness: The Prime Minister has expressed difficulty in running the government under the current circumstances, indicating a breakdown in governance.

The speaker emphasizes that these issues have led to a halt in Pakistan’s progress and a decline in its overall condition. The speaker has taken action to declare an emergency, with the stated goal of restoring order and stability, and restarting the democratic process.

Obstacles to Democracy in Pakistan

The speaker identifies several significant obstacles to democracy in Pakistan, primarily centered around interference with the democratic process, judicial overreach, and a lack of respect for the rule of law.

Here’s a breakdown of these obstacles:

• Interference with the Democratic Transition: The speaker outlines a three-stage transition to democracy, with the third stage facing significant hurdles. This final stage, intended to complete the transition to full democracy, has been deliberately disrupted. The speaker expresses regret that some individuals are creating obstacles, preventing the completion of this third phase.
• Obstacles in the Implementation of Democracy: The speaker states that obstacles are being created in the democratic system, preventing its smooth implementation. This interference is preventing the country from moving towards full democracy and stability.
• Judicial Overreach: The judiciary is described as overstepping its bounds and interfering with the functions of the legislative and executive branches. This is causing conflict and undermining the authority of these other branches. The speaker notes that the judiciary is challenging the laws made by the legislature, further destabilizing the government.
• Constitutional Challenges: A key event in the disruption of the democratic process was a reference sent to the Supreme Judicial Council against the Prime Minister’s recommendation. The speaker deems this action unconstitutional.
• Presidential Election Issues: The Presidential elections, while conducted legally, were challenged in the Supreme Court. The case has been repeatedly postponed, leading to political uncertainty and delays in the democratic process. These postponements further contribute to a sense of hopelessness and instability.
• Lack of Respect for the Rule of Law: Extremist groups, such as those involved in the Lal Masjid incident, are challenging the rule of law by taking matters into their own hands. The speaker also notes that even after government action to counter them, confirmed terrorists have been released and are at large.
• Media Negativity: Certain media channels are contributing to a negative atmosphere by promoting distrust. This media negativity is seen as an obstacle to the positive development of the democratic process.

The speaker believes that these obstacles are hindering Pakistan’s progress and preventing it from moving forward with its democratic transition. In response to this, the speaker has declared an emergency, in part to remove these obstacles and complete the democratic process.

Pakistan Emergency Declaration

The speaker declared an emergency in Pakistan to address the severe issues facing the country and to complete the third stage of the democratic transition. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons for and the details surrounding the declared emergency:

• Reasons for Declaring Emergency:
• To stop the down slide of Pakistan: The speaker expresses deep concern over the deteriorating conditions in Pakistan, which include rising terrorism and extremism, a paralyzed governance system, and obstacles to the democratic process. The speaker feels that the country is taking a downward turn, and decisive action is needed to reverse this trend.
• To bring a new direction to the three pillars of the state: The speaker wants to bring a new direction to the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches to improve governance and combat extremism and terrorism.
• To complete the third stage of the democratic transition: The speaker emphasizes a commitment to complete the final stage of the three-stage transition to democracy, which they believe is being deliberately obstructed. The speaker states the emergency is intended to remove the obstacles that are in the way of this process.
• Details of the Emergency Declaration:
• Provisional Constitution Order: The emergency was declared through a Provisional Constitution Order.
• No change in government: The speaker states that the Prime Minister, Governors, and Chief Ministers will remain in their positions, and all assemblies will continue to function as they were. This indicates that the emergency is not intended to remove the existing government but to stabilize the situation and restore order.
• Intended to put Pakistan back on track: The speaker explains the emergency is meant to quickly restore Pakistan to its previous path of progress and development, and to ensure the completion of the democratic process.
• Seeking International Understanding: The speaker addresses the international community, particularly the United States, the European Union, and the Commonwealth. The speaker asks them to understand the critical situation in Pakistan and the necessity for the actions taken. They emphasize that Pakistan is on the verge of destabilization and that immediate action is essential to prevent further decline.
• Speaker’s Perspective:
• Personal conviction: The speaker expresses a personal conviction that the action taken was necessary to preserve the democratic transition and to prevent the country from “committing suicide.”. The speaker states they cannot allow the country to continue on a downward trend.
• Sacrifice for Pakistan: The speaker states that if a sacrifice of their life is needed for Pakistan, they are ready, and that they will continue to fight for the country and its people.
• Pakistan First: The speaker emphasizes that Pakistan’s interests come before all other considerations. The speaker also appeals for support and understanding from the community.
• Comparison to Abraham Lincoln: The speaker references Abraham Lincoln’s actions during the American Civil War as an example of a leader taking necessary steps during a national crisis, even if those steps might seem extreme. The speaker uses this example to justify the actions taken in the interest of preserving the nation.

In summary, the speaker declared an emergency to address the critical and worsening conditions in Pakistan, with the goal of stabilizing the country, restoring order, and ensuring the completion of the democratic transition. The speaker views this action as a necessary step to prevent further decline and to put Pakistan back on a path toward progress.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry reacted promptly to the emergency declaration, convening a seven-member bench which issued an interim order against this action. He also directed the armed forces of Pakistan not to obey any illegal orders. Subsequently, the 111th Brigade of the Pakistan Army entered the Supreme Court of Pakistan Building and removed Chaudhry and several other judges from the premises and arrested them.

It was announced early that the state of emergency would likely end in late November or early December 2007. After being sworn in for a second presidential term on 29 November 2007, Musharraf immediately declared that the state of emergency would end on 16 December 2007, although the emergency actually ended one day earlier, on 15 December 2007, with an announcement by Musharraf.

The general election previously scheduled to occur in early January 2008 was postponed. At the beginning of the emergency, Information Minister Tariq Azim Khan said on television that the general election could be delayed many months and perhaps up to a year. Later, the election was rescheduled to take place by 15 February 2008, as announced by Musharraf himself. A few days later he called for the election date to be on or before 9 January 2008, before a final date of 8 January 2008, was decided. However, because of unforeseen events that occurred after the state of emergency ended, primarily the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and its aftermath, the general elections were again postponed by the Election Commission, and were finally held on 18 February 2008

Background
Leading up to the 2007 presidential elections, the Election Commissioner approved General Pervez Musharraf as a candidate for re-election. One of his opponents, retired Supreme Court justice Wajihuddin Ahmed, challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court. The dispute was primarily regarding whether a member of the military was constitutionally permitted to run for the office of the president, as Musharraf held both titles of President and Chief of Army Staff.

Responding to the challenge, on 28 September 2007, Pakistan’s Supreme court cleared the way for President Pervez Musharraf to seek another five-year term when it threw out a major legal challenge to his re-election plans. But barred the Election Commission from officially declaring a winner until it made its final decision. On 6 October, presidential elections were held with Musharraf winning 98% votes in the Senate, Parliament and the four provincial assemblies.

While the Supreme Court was hearing the case of Musharraf’s eligibility as a candidate, it announced that it would likely need to delay the hearing until 12 November due to a personal engagement of one of the honourable members of the bench. On 2 November, the court reversed its decision to break, stating that it would now reconvene the following Monday on 5 November to attempt to resolve the political situation quickly. This reversal was in part due to criticism that the court’s continuing delay was adding to Pakistan’s general instability. Convening on 12 November would have left a tight schedule of just three days before the end of Musharraf’s previous presidential term on 15 November. Parliamentary elections were due to be held in February 2008, no later than a month after the original target date for elections. The 2008 Pakistani general election was held on 18 February 2008.

Prior to the emergency declaration, Attorney General Malik Qayyum, representing Musharraf, had assured the court that there was no planned move by the government to impose martial law.

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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