Pakistan

These days, media in Pakistan is cluttered with the news about the proceedings going on in the Supreme Court about the ex military general Pervez Musharraf who ruled the country from 1999 to 2008. Although so far neither Gen (R) Pervez Musharraf has appeared in person nor has any one represented him in the court. The general has been abroad in Europe for quite some time. There a large number of cases including the one about abrogation of the constitution which if pursued can take him to the gallows.

However, the question is why should only he be prosecuted. Why not all other military rulers who took over the reigns of the country suspending the constitution. It is immaterial as to whether they are dead or alive. Many accomplices without the support of whom the take overs were not possible are still living.The cases must be proceeded with even the punishment is to be executed symbolically as was done with Cromwell of Britain. And, all of them are not dead either.

Almost all the newspapers in Pakistan have reported today and yesterday about the accountability of Ex President of Pakistan, Gen (R) Pervez Musharraf who ruled the country for about nine years after taking over power in October, 1999. Army has ruled the country for almost half the time ever since Pakistan came into being in 1947. The predecessors of Musharraf in uniform did not have to face such like situation. And, that is what encouraged army to over the country whenever it so desired. However, it appears certain that the general will have to face the courts.

This time, America has categorically stated that for it Musharraf was history and it would not interfere in the prosecution of Musharraf. The President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, too, has made a similar statement. Pakistan army is least likely to interfere. So, the stage is set for Musharraf to face a large number of charges in the court which would include abrogation of the constitution. Musharraf's prosecution will become an important milestone in the history of Pakistan which would once for all shun the interference of army in the affairs of the country and put Pakistan on road to democracy.