ISLAMABAD, 5 February 2007 — With incidents of terrorism on the rise and attacks on security forces in the tribal region mounting, the capital is rife with rumors of drastic measures being contemplated by the government, including a state of emergency.
Analyst and a leading anti-terrorism expert, Dr. Shoeb Suddle, who served as an inspector general of police in Balochistan, told Arab News yesterday that terrorists attacking the security forces want to send a message that they can strike anywhere they want. “Pakistan is currently facing bombings by a single perpetrator,” said a retired brigadier from the Inter-Services Intelligence, Syed Tirmazi, adding that the motive aimed to achieve multiple results.
Following the latest suicide attack on an army convoy on Saturday, a senior official told Arab News that imposition of the state of emergency is within the purview of the constitution. The president has the power to proclaim emergency under Article 232, Section 6 of the constitution. If the government has to crack down on terrorists and prevent suicide attacks, it would need more administrative and judicial powers for the army which is currently bearing the brunt of the terror attacks.
To acquire that kind of power, President Gen. Pervez Musharraf may have to declare a state of emergency or impose Martial Law. But such a move would draw international criticism and invite the wrath of those supporting Islamabad in its efforts to contain terrorism. President Musharraf is expected to be re-elected by the current assemblies and the time is not appropriate for him to exercise an extra-constitutional option. A drastic action that is unconstitutional could prove to be a double-edged sword for the president.
Suicide bombing has become a new phenomenon in Pakistan, especially against the security forces. The deal between the government and the pro-Taleban militants has collapsed in essence after the growing attacks by militants. One of the signatories to the deal, Baitullah Mehsud, who has been instrumental in the growing attacks on the army, is now a prime target of the army. Any decision will be crucial considering the fact that it will determine the country’s future course in politics.
