Several high-profile retired generals, air marshals and admirals, who have repeatedly asked President Musharraf to resign, had first announced to seek an unqualified apology from the Pakistani nation for imposing martial laws in the past, abrogating the Constitution several times and not letting democracy flourish in the last 60 years. This was to be followed by a request for forgiveness from the people of Pakistan, who have been suffering at the hands of dictatorship for the role played by them and their successors. However at the last moment almost all of them have backed out from their initial resolve “as was expected”.

Article 6 of the Constituion has two clauses which read: (1) Any person who abrogates or attempts or conspires to abrogate, subverts of attempts or conspires to subvert the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason. (2) Any person aiding or abetting the acts mentioned in clause (1) shall likewise be guilty of high treason.

Asking for simple foregiveness from the people would have been the first step towards the right direction. However as per article 6 of the constitution and based on the principals of Justice, morality and integrity, the one’s involved in aiding, abetting or conspiring to abrogate the constitution should present themselves to the court of law and let the Justice take it’s course. This should be the only sacrifice they should give to undo many wrongs which have been done to the poor of this nation.

—Islamabad
Pakistan Observer (12th of March, 2008)

Dr Irfan Zafar