NRO: Musharraf's proxy war

This last sentiment signals perhaps a frontal attack on Musharraf? I tend to think so though many doubt this being the real policy of the current PPP government. A substantial number of the people who know the realties of our political culture know that this is perhaps only for possible drama purposes.

I think only time will tell whether Zardari has understood the deeper concept of dictatorship psychology. He may be personally beholden to Musharraf for the benefits of NRO but he should remember that in the past the president has been ruthless even to those who had served him from time to time, if he concluded that he no longer required them!

As such the role that Nawaz Sharif has to play is pivotal for the success of democracy in Pakistan. In the few weeks in office Zardari and the PPP have not fared well with such notions that give sustenance to representative institutions and rule of law. Gagging of the media by the current government is the best example of such an attitude.

A private TV channel was recetnly asked by the Dubai Government to stop its transmissions,  apparently under immense pressure from the current Pakistani authorities. The channel was blamed for supporting the restoration of the deposed judges of the Supreme Court. A similar request was evidently made by the Dubai administration about one month ago in which it was said that all programmes supporting the restoration of the deposed judges should be stopped by the channel.

Since it is technically not possible to stop the dissemination of information nowadays since it is clear that the entire set-up of several private TV channels operating in Dubai can be moved either to the UK or Hong Kong. It is just a matter of money, if the channels can afford to do so! The Dubai authorities disclosed that the president and his allies were continuously trying to pressurise the channels to stop all programmes on the issue of the restoration of the judiciary and containing an anti- Musharraf slant. The current demand to stop the popular talk shows was also came from the allies of the president after the proclamation of Emergency in November 2007.

As such I feel that the time is rapidly approaching to bell the cat and see that serious effort for an impeachment indictment is made without which the country seemingly remains in a state of perpetual crisis, intrigue and turmoil. This will also decide if the recent outburst of Asif Zardari against Musharraf is for real or a part of the topi drama we have come to witness in this country. In ultimate terms until this happens, this proxy war against the rule of law, democracy and justice on behalf of Musharraf by Zardari will subsist.

The writer is a senior advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan, and professor at Harvard University