Date:05/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/05/stories/2007110556221600.htm

International

It is martial law: Shahbaz Sharif

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: The “massive crackdown” that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has unleashed is bound to unite “democratic forces” inside and outside Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, the brother of the former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has said.

Speaking to The Hindu over telephone from London, Mr. Sharif said that General Musharraf launched his “second martial law” on Saturday. Mr. Sharif asserted that it would be “totally incorrect” to describe Gen. Musharraf’s action as a declaration of “emergency.” “The second martial law has been declared because the General feared that the Supreme Court would not allow him to function as President”, he said. Meanwhile, Gen. Musharraf’s decision to impose emergency in his country has been roundly criticised in West Asia. The Dubai daily, Khaleej Times described the President’s move as “most unfortunate.”

“The event marks perhaps the most unfortunate turn in Pakistan’s largely troubled political history.” Gulf News, another prominent daily from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), also made disparaging remarks about Pakistan President’s decision.

It observed, “Emergency rule is a draconian measure, easy to declare but very difficult to lift, and causes immense damage to political dialogue and trust. It pulverises debate and leaves the political arena bereft of opportunity.” The daily added, “Pakistan now enters a perilous period. Relations with the U.S. and India will also be affected, though to what extent depends on what Musharraf does during emergency rule and how long he decides to maintain it. Musharraf, who prides himself on his political mastery, has made a grave miscalculation.”

Unwilling to describe Gen. Musharraf’s directive as a declaration of “emergency”, Iran’s Press TV said that the Pakistan President had indeed “declared martial law.”

It said, “General Musharraf was a unpopular leader in Pakistan.” The move against the judiciary would also “benefit [Prime Minister] Shaukat Aziz who was facing disqualification for deporting Nawaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia.”