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Musharraf broad powers { August 21 2002 }

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   http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44025-2002Aug21.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44025-2002Aug21.html

Musharraf's Amendments Give Him Broad New Powers in Pakistan
Military Leader Gets Right to Dismiss an Elected Parliament

By Zeeshan Haider
Reuters
Wednesday, August 21, 2002; 10:17 AM


ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf unveiled constitutional changes on Wednesday that enable him to wield overriding power even after a civilian government is elected in October.

Musharraf, a key ally in the U.S.-led war on terror, told a news conference the changes would give him the power to dismiss parliament and provided for the creation of a civilian-military National Security Council he will chair to oversee government.

Appearing in military uniform, Musharraf said he would remain president and army chief for the next five years and as president would have the right to name the heads of the three military services and the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

The moves should help Musharraf, who went from being an international pariah for seizing power in a coup in 1999 to darling of the West after September 11, wield overall power even after parliamentary elections scheduled for October 10.

The right to dismiss parliament restores to the presidency a key power taken away by the last prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, who was overthrown by Musharraf in a bloodless October 1999 coup.

It represents the latest move in a tussle between military and parliamentary rule that has characterized government in Pakistan since independence in 1947 and was immediately denounced by opposition politicians.

While abandoning his attempt to secure the right to choose and fire the prime minister and sack the cabinet, Musharraf made few concessions from sweeping amendments he proposed in June, as by dissolving parliament he achieves the same.

The main opposition parties called the amendments illegal.

"An individual does not have the right to amend the constitution -- this is the sole prerogative of the parliament," said Raza Rabbani, secretary general of the Pakistan People's Party of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

OPPOSITION CRIES "INJUSTICE"

"It is unfortunate that the new assembly, before it has come into existence, it is under the threat of dissolution. (This) is against the norms of democracy and will usher in an era of political instability," Rabbani added.

Zafar Ali Shah, vice president of Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League, said he did not think the new assembly would validate the changes. "There cannot be a bigger injustice to the constitution and the mandate of the people than this," he said.

Musharraf admitted most people involved in a public debate on the amendments had opposed a new National Security Council, but he said it was essential for political stability. "Honestly, I think this is very important and this will be done," he said.

Asked if the amendments would need approval by parliament, Musharraf shot back angrily: "I am hereby making it part of the constitution through the powers given to me by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. I don't need the assembly's approval."

He said parliament, once in place, would have the power to undo the amendments to the constitution provided it had a two-thirds majority, but warned:

"That is a big issue which will bring them into conflict with me and the National Security Council. Then I will decide whether I should quit or they should go."

Musharraf rejected a suggestion that a military-dominated National Security Council and a combined role of president and army chief would legitimize the role of the army in government.

"The National Security Council has got absolutely nothing to do with running the country," he said. "I have nothing to do with running the country. I have no executive authority, I will never intrude into the running of the country by the prime minister."

While pledging a free and fair election and "a level playing field for all political parties," Musharraf warned Nawaz and Bhutto not to attempt to return from exile to contest it, reminding them they faced corruption charges.

Nawaz appeared to bow out earlier this month by handing over his party's leadership to his brother Shahbaz, who is living with him in exile in Saudi Arabia and also faces corruption charges.

But Bhutto, in self-imposed exile in Britain, has vowed to run and filed a court petition challenging laws barring her.

Musharraf said that in a few days the government would allow political parties to start holding public meetings, but would not allow street marches.

Despite his combative air, Musharraf has appeared increasingly isolated at home after hard-line Islamic groups -- traditional allies of military dictators in Pakistan -- also denounced his plans to amend the constitution.

These groups, whose strength lies more in noisy street protests than in popular votes, have been angered by Musharraf's support for U.S.-led war on terror that toppled the radical Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan. (With additional reporting by David Brunnstrom)


© 2002 Reuters


Banned politcal rallies { March 15 2000 }
Musharraf broad powers { August 21 2002 }
Musharraf gives up military powers { November 29 2007 }
Musharraf opposition and muslims take power { February 20 2008 }
Musharraf redraws constitution { August 22 2002 }
Pakistan president declares emergency rule { November 6 2007 }

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