Islamabad street protests threaten Musharraf's power

Protesters have united against Pakistan's president after he sacked the country's top judge last week.

from the March 19, 2007 edition

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"They're the ones who have sacrificed their lives for democracy in the past. And I think they're ready to take bullets again," says Rasul Bahksh Rais, a professor of political science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences.

So far, as many as 100 people have been arrested. On Saturday, police injured 55 lawyers during a violent protest in Lahore. But the more the Musharraf regime cracks down, the more it appears to fan the fires of resentment and depletes whatever shreds of goodwill remain, according to observers.

But leaving the protests alone could prove more damaging for Musharraf. After seven years of military rule, Musharraf has a lot of enemies that could come out of the woodwork.

The man who took Musharraf to task

Attacking the judiciary appears to have been a serious miscalculation. Although weakened, it is considered the most sacred institution in Pakistan.

Chief Justice Chaudhry has proved to be an outspoken member of an institution known for its acquiescence. His abrupt checks on government power – including chastising the regime for failing to trace disappeared terrorism suspects – suggested that he alone might, if so inclined, rebuke Musharraf's bid to run for reelection in uniform, observers say.

His removal last week, on charges of misconduct that have so far not been made public, seemed designed to pave the remaining way for Musharraf's reelection, critics say, which the constitution technically prevents. Chaudhry's hearing before a Supreme Court panel began on Friday. He denies the charges.

The government dismisses allegations of foul play, saying that Chaudhry was legally removed according to constitutional provisions, since charges of misconduct have been building against him for months.

It remains unclear how these convulsions will affect the elections scheduled for later this year, although the government insists it will have no impact. Some believe that, greatly embarrassed by this episode, Musharraf will face even more dismal support at the polls. Many also fear that, given his eroding political support, Musharraf will attempt aggressive measures to hold onto power, including postponing elections or declaring a state of emergency.

"It's a new kind of tension of two imperatives," says Mr. Mahmood, adding that the unprecedented display of opposition may invite unprecedented forms of backlash from the regime. The only way out for Musharraf, some say, is to apologize and reinstate Chaudhry – though such a move, they add, is highly unlikely.

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