It's now the 4th day since 'Emergency' was declared in Pakistan. Unfortunately, this state of emergency includes certain things that are beyond that Constitution of the country when it defines such a state. In that sense, the vernacular being used is 'Emergency+', while a large majority of people are beginning to call in a euphemism for Marshal Law.

Particularly the things that have happened are:

- Suspension of Civil Rights and Liberties and abeyance of the Constitution
- Sacking of All Supreme court and High Court judges that have refused to take a renewed oath of loyalty to Musharraf. Most have refused
- Suspension of all privately owned media as well as foreign news media broadcasts on television and radio. The only place you get news on on TV is the state run Pakistan Television
- Code of Conduct for privately owned media disallowing them to say anything against the government




This has resulted in some forms of collectivization by groups of people, which has led to a large number of arrests of lawyers, journalists, students, political activists and even well-respected academics. Most of them can be held captive for 30 days or more without being charged, as the constitution is suspended. Authorities have been quick to disperse any groups through these arrests, tear gas and baton charges.

Local Pakistanis' opinion remains divided as some feel that there was no other option for the Chief of Army Staff, given the security situation and an overpowered judiciary. Others see it as an attack not on the security issue, but on the independence of the media and judiciary. This divide, as well as the lack of right of association and assembly is making mass protests more difficult.

Some protests are taking place in London and in NYC by overseas Pakistanis. While foreign governments have condemned Musharraf's actions, little pressure is being put by the US and other 'allies'.

There's a large scale protest scheduled on Thursday by students from various universities across the country. It remains to be seen if it leads to much.

Labels: politics