Vol. 71/No. 46      December 10, 2007

The move is the latest of a series of maneuvers aimed at securing the Musharraf government in the face of growing political instability in Pakistan. Prior to October elections, Musharraf, a steady ally for Washington in its war in Afghanistan, had pledged to give up his post as army chief.

Musharraf declared a state of emergency and suspended the country’s constitution November 3. He replaced more than half the judges in the Supreme Court in anticipation of a court decision that would have blocked his eligibility for reelection while heading the military. On November 22, the court dismissed opposition petitions that challenged his October reelection. Sustained protests by lawyers, judges, journalists, unionists, and opposition parties have challenged the implementation of marshal law.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan November 25 after seven years in exile. Sharif vowed to intensify street protests until martial law is lifted.

Musharraf ousted Sharif in a 1999 military coup. Sharif was accused of corruption and hijacking—charges that were dropped in exchange for his leaving the country for ten years. Reflecting the rapidly changing political situation and mounting international pressure, Sharif returned with little interference from Musharraf. Less than three months ago Musharraf had Sharif deported to Saudi Arabia just hours after his arrival in Pakistan. Musharraf has repeatedly said he would not allow Sharif to return to participate in January elections.

“Being forced to so accept Sharif’s return from exile shows how much power Musharraf has lost in the last few months,” said Bruce Riedel, a former National Security Council member and official in the U.S. administration of William Clinton.

On his return, Sharif filed nomination papers as a candidate for January’s parliamentary elections. Calling for Musharraf’s removal from power, he said he would not serve as prime minister under Musharraf.

A meeting of the umbrella group of opposition parties known as the All Parties Democratic Movement is scheduled to take place November 29 to discuss whether the parties will boycott the January elections.  
 
 
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