Editorial
Commonwealth move against Pakistan
The general must not take his people for a ride
Pakistan's suspension from membership of the Commonwealth yet once again is reflective of the deep concern about the future of its politics in the global community. It was eight years ago, when General Pervez Musharraf seized power in a coup, that the country's membership in the organisation was suspended and was not lifted until the regime promised to steer Pakistan back to democratic rule. The latest action is certainly another blow to Musharraf, one that he quite rightly deserves in view of the sweeping backward measures he has been taking to have himself hold office in violation of democratic norms. Despite the impression the junta may wish to give of calm under pressure, General Musharraf cannot but realise that the Commonwealth move is but further humiliation for him.
The worries expressed by the Commonwealth about the threat to Pakistan's democracy are shared by people around the world. That is because there is a need at this point for democracy and the rule of law to return to Pakistan so that its people can play the role expected of them in the governance of their country. It is the threat to their participation in the political process that is of concern. Musharraf's cavalier disdain for morality, manifested through his sacking of the higher judiciary and its replacement by a set of pliant judges is an act that will cause concern among all men and women believing in the supremacy of the judiciary. It is such principles that the Commonwealth has clearly upheld. It is a position that ought to be stuck to without providing Musharraf with any room to make any more promises he can easily go back on. The fact that the general has now obtained everything on his own terms is not important. What is important is that he not be allowed to perpetuate his hold on power. He has clearly subverted the democratic process and has thus closed off all avenues to pluralism and democratic succession in Pakistan.
The Commonwealth action should be a wake-up call for Musharraf and his friends. They cannot take things for granted and take Pakistan for a ride.
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