On November 3, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan declared a state of emergency in his country. Musharraf claims that the state of emergency is necessary because of violence committed by Islamist extremists. But many experts feel that Musharraf declared emergency rule to keep the Pakistani Supreme Court from challenging his re-election.
In addition to being president, Musharraf was also the head of Pakistan’s army until November 28 of this year. With the declaration of emergency rule, the constitution was suspended and more than half of the Supreme Court judges were removed from their posts. Political protests were crushed and thousands of activists were thrown in jail.
Musharraf was elected to a second term as president on October 6, but many people boycotted the election, saying it was illegal. Musharraf has vowed to hold another election in January. He has also been in negotiations with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to share power after the January elections.
Most of Pakistan’s allies, including the United States, have asked Musharraf to lift the state of emergency. They feel that free, democratic elections are impossible while Pakistan’s constitution is suspended. Musharraf claims he will lift the state of emergency on December 16.
Image credit: © Farooq Naeem/AFP/Getty Images
Related Links
- BBC: Pakistan’s Political Crisis
The BBC’s main page on the crisis in Pakistan. Includes links to articles covering all aspects of the situation in Pakistan, including both current and background information. (Source: BBC, November 19, 2007) - U.S. envoy talks to Bhutto on Pakistan’s future
Article on U.S. envoy John Negroponte’s discussion with Benazir Bhutto about how Pakistan can remain democratic. (Source: Reuters, November 16, 2007) - Pakistan court rams through rulings for Musharraf
Article on how the Pakistani Supreme Court has voted to dismiss challenges to Musharraf’s re-election, after more than half the judges were removed from their positions and replaced with government-friendly judges. (Source: Reuters, November 19, 2007) - Map of Pakistan
Map of Pakistan from the World Factbook of the CIA. Includes background and general geographic facts about Pakistan. (Source: CIA World Factbook, November 15, 2007)
Critical Thinking Questions
- Sequence Events How did the political situation develop in Pakistan from October 5, when Benazir Bhutto was invited home from exile, until November 3, when Musharraf declared the state of emergency, suspending the constitution?
- Form and Support Opinions Do President Musharraf’s actions support his claims that he intends to allow free, democratic elections in January? Why or why not?
- Evaluate Do you think that Musharraf was justified in declaring the state of emergency and suspending some of his people’s constitutional rights? Why or why not?