Musharraf's 'In'dependent Judicial System

Corruption Perceptions Index 2006 - Total of 160 Countries Transparency International , www.transparency.org.

It has finally happened. The grey areas have been removed, and everything has become black & white. President Musharraf has done just enough to lose whatever sympathy he had with the people who still believed that he was a credible man. In fact, he has gone a step further by unconstitutionally removing the Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, without a judicial inquiry recommendation.

I still await President's next appearance on media regarding this issue in which he will state his reasons for the removal. Once again, we 'the people of Pakistan' will not understand the bold vision of our President. Hats off to our President for re-asserting the notion which states that there is a 'law of the jungle' in Pakistan. In addition, we are so blessed that our leader showed no hesitation in removing our Chief Justice when he was involved in using excess protocol, and for appointing his son in FIA without merit. Today's generation of Pakistan should be called the 'golden generation.' After all, even the least corrupt countries like Finland have not been blessed enough to witness such bold initiatives by its leader.

Let us see how the government will manage the affairs in the coming days. The trial conducted by the Supreme Judicial Council starts today. In a country where 'sifarish' (a term used for using influence of power to get work done) is a norm, if not part of the culture, the panel should not take that as a serious offense. Moreover, if protocol is such a big issue in our country then it means that it must be Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhry, and not Musharraf, who sits in the Mercedes S-500 V12 surrounded with a 6-7 car convoy while moving in and out from President's House. It seems like our people are not even wise enough to know that President Musharraf drives his own car without any security to anywhere he visits. I really have no hope for these people of Pakistan who have always disappointed me in times like these.

To conclude after all the sarcasm, I hope that Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhry, still the constitutional Chief Justice of Pakistan, holds his ground because more than a personality is at stake here. This may be the reason why lawyers for all provincial benches have showed solidarity with Mr. Iftikhar. The end result of the inquiry may not be to our liking but one thing is undisputed; March 9th was one of the saddest days in our judicial history.