Musharraf has to explain why he imposed a state of emergency in 2007, but he did not appear before the court. Hearing was chaired by one of his adversary, Justice Chaudhry. Experts note the great confusion in the country’s institutions and the danger of military ascendancy, especially since they do not seem to oppose the Afghan Taliban.

Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf did not appear before the Supreme Court today in the first hearing of inquiry into why he imposed a state of emergency and sack Supreme Court judges who opposed him in 2007. The 14-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, issued a notice to Mr Musharraf to appear in person or through counsel. If the court is not satisfied by his explanations it could charge Musharraf with violating the constitution.

Justice Chaudhry is one of the judges Musharraf removed in 2007, because he opposed the general’s bid to run for president whilst retaining his post as head of the armed forces.

Musharraf eventually lost the elections to current President Asif Ali Zardari, who reinstated Chaudhry e and the other judges.

For some observers the fact that Chaudhry is called to decide the legality of his own removal is a sign of the confusion that reigns in Pakistan’s political institutions, and of the danger that they could become centres of personal power.

But the greatest risk is to see the Pakistani military extend its influence over civilian authorities. This could favour Musharraf who headed the military and quit only to run for president. 

In an article on the BBC News website well-known journalist and best-selling author Ahmed Rashid said that several scenarios are possible for Pakistan.

It is certain that important al-Qaeda leaders like Mullah Mohammed Omar have found sanctuary in the country.

Western sources believe that Islamic militants train in camps inside Pakistan. But Pakistan’s secret services have denied the allegation, arguing instead that the Taliban’s growing influence is due to the offensive launched by the United States and Great Britain in the Afghan province of Helmand.

The Americans would like to see Pakistan carry out an offensive against the Taliban in Afghanistan to allow for a more peaceful Afghan election in August, as it did under Musharraf.

Citing tensions with India, Pakistan has instead declined to move troops from its border with India to fight the Taliban.

At the same time experts are saying that Pakistan is choosing to fight only those Taliban who threaten the government, but refusing to act against those groups which are fighting in Afghanistan. This way, its military can exercise its substantial autonomy from the civilian government as well as renegotiate on new terms the country’s participation in the fight against Islamic terrorism.

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• chaudhry
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