Adil Najam
Since yesterday the “I” word – impeachment – has begun to be thrown around a lot.
Some quarters seem to think that it just happen this time. Others suggest that it is more talk than action and the numbers needed to pull this are still not there.
Coming out of the “critical” Nawaz Sharif-Asif Zardari meetings one keeps wondering how much of this is an effort to keep the coalition going and how much is a real push to change the essential political equations of Pakistan. There are reports that Gen. Musharraf is taking this move seriously enough to cancel his trip to China (to attend the Olympics opening ceremony). On the other hand some of Gen. Musharraf’s supporters are claiming that no such cancellation has happened. We do know, however, that he is taking this challenge seriously and lining up his supporters.
All in all, there is too much noise to say what is happening. But something is clearly happening. Does the PPP-PML(N) have the numbers they need to go ahead? Does the President have the numbers he needs to stop it? And what of all the external actors and where they may lean, why and for what?
Interestingly, we had run a ATP Poll back in June asking you what you thought would have happened to Gen. Musharraf by October 2008? The majority (38%) had thought that he would be impeached by then. A significant number (31%) thought that by October 2008 we woudl be still muddling through as we are now.
We do not intend to open the Poll again, but it does seem that either of those two answers could turn out to be true again. Indeed, even our earlier Poll on the subject, from October 2007, may still be relevant in its results!
So, since we can’t make full sense of exactly what all of this adds up to, we thought we woudl ask our best source: You. What do you think? What is happening? What might happen? And why?
will those who love pakistan come forward, please.
and i don’t mean the Politician. all they know is how to rob the people and fill their already overflowing pockets.
Mayra mulk thumharee baap ke jageer nahee hai!
Since they came into power what have they done other than further damaging the value of our currency.
Every day there is a new tamasha.
First it was the judiciary and now the impeachment issue.
Do you think the common man cares about the lawyers? And please don’t say ‘have you not seen the rallies’. How much is the rate these days 1oo, 200…..500. Promise them money and a meal and they will readily stand next to you in rallies. That is the state of our desperate people.
You think they came out for the love of the judiciary….. ha,ha. Just ask the common man how effective our judicial system is. They are the ones who have suffered most by these corrupt lawyers and judges.
Wasted months on the judiciary issue. Now waste more on the impeachment drama.
What will the impeachment do for us???
Will it resolve the crisis of oil, load shedding, food etc.
And who is impeaching whom?
Mr.10% is impeaching? – the man for whom corruption has no boundaries.
or is it Mr. Only naam kay sharif who is impeaching? – You have revenge written all over your face, for you all this is a personal vendetta.
Have u all seen the look on his face when he talks about impeachment?
Alas….If only the ruling parties were as committed to the real issues (oil, load shedding, food, safety etc.) as they are to the judicial and impeachment issue.
I can predict what is to happen next.
Another meeting will be called in our new capital (dubai) or in our holiday retreat (UK). And plane full of thugs will go decide the fate of the pakistani nation.
You think there will be a mango crate in the plane?
Just saw a news item that PM YRG is replacing Presdient for China, We all know the game being played, but as PM of a Large country and power he should have his plans laid out..I guess. Its make the mockery of PM’s office like he has nothing to do and can be sent anywhere on a moments notice. Or he is really so much wanting to go to Olympics that he does’nt care what’s going on at home.
Musharraf should be impeached even if the Army steps in. The government should not be too timid not to impeach him just because he might use 58-2B or the Army steps in. Its like saying that the Police should not catch the thief because he/she might strike back.
PPP is within its mandate/ right to impeach Musharaf:
However practically, these are scenarios:
1. Musharraf survives impeachment due to absence of 2/3 majority in join session of NA and Senate.
2. Musharraf is impeached and following happens:
2.a. Musharaf invokes 58-2b and dissolves parliament. What practical powers PM YRG have to enforce will of parliament ?
2.a.i- PM YRG asks IGP to arrest Musharaf
2.a.ii- PM YRG aks Army Chief to arrest Musharaf
2.a.iii- PM YRG asks Pakistan Supreme Court to rule on
this
3. Seeing this mess Army takes over –once again
If 1) Happens, should Musharraf can dissolve assemblies as by NOT impeaching him, they accepted him as President and then President can dissolve assemblies :-)
2-a-i is highly unlikely given status and competence of Pakistan Police
2-a-ii- Gen AK can deny the request siting that legally and per Constitution Musharraf is still Commander-In-Chief
2.-a-iii- Supreme Court is pro-Musharraf so they will most lkely rule in favor of Musharraf.
3- Highley unlikely as I don’t think so Gen AK wants t o tarnish Army’s image further.
So we all want to be democratic and civil :-) so lets fight this battle in courts, assemblies not using Tanks or Stones in street.
Meanwhile, during this circus, common person is wondering why the hell I elected these people as my issues are:
1. Law and order
2. Economy (Job, Food/ Oil Prices)
3. Electricity
@64 comments, “Bheja drainage”
Many trying to bring this circus to a delire.
its sickening!