The latest news to come out of Islamabad is that the government is contemplating imposing a state of emergency. Although it is not confirmed as yet, some sources say that the details have been finalised and it will be imposed in the next 24-48 hours. Initially it was reported that it would be put in effect by midnight, but that has not happened.
Most TV hosts have questioned the reason for declaring a state of emergency at this time. GEO News stated that there were three reasons: US threats, Chinese workers and NA debate. The last two make absolutely no sense (If ‘NA debate’ refers to a debate on the law and order situation in NWFP and Balouchistan then it may be the strongest point, however, the killings and kidnappings of Chinese workers is a flawed reason considering the many Pakistanis that have died recently. It may have been better to just cite the general law and order situation in the country.) and the first one sounds baseless in light of recent statements emanating out of the US. Things have only improved in the last 2-3 weeks.
Either way, nothing is confirmed and the news channels are playing their role of adding maximum spin to this story. What needs to be seen is if and when this state of emergency will be imposed.
Most government spokesman have denied this news even though Sheikh Rasheed has cut his US trip short and is taking the first flight back to Pakistan. It is surprising that he was kept out of the loop for so long. Or may be this is part of the drama. Aitzaz Ahsan said that if an emergency was declared it would be malafide and said that he was surprised that this government was trying its best to cause confusion and uncertainty itself by releasing such unconfirmed reports. Tariq Azeem, minister of state for information conceded that this issue was being discussed and that the government was considering imposing emergency rule.
Most jurists are certain that such an action would be challenged in the Supreme Court and taken up immediately by the proactive bench. What they would have to decide is simply this: is a state of emergency to act upon the three reasons given above justification enough to deny people of Article 15, 16 and 17 of the Constitution of Pakistan i.e. Freedom of Movement, Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Association respectively. These are fundamental rights of any Pakistani citizen and the Supreme Court would not be willing to hand them over so easily to the government. Neither would the people be willing to do so.
Anyway, it remains to be seen whether this rumour is indeed true. Musharraf has called a meeting this morning. We might get some more details then. Till then we can only hope that this pointless exercise, like many others before it, is not carried out.
P.S. Today (Thursday 9th August) the Supreme Court will hear the petition filed by Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz Sharif seeking directions to the government to allow them to return to Pakistan for participating in the general election.
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