Violation of law

Letter December 22, 2019
The decision is a testimony to the rule of democracy and civilian supremacy in the country

LAHORE: A judicial decision against former president Pervez Musharraf has divided the country based on two different opinions. Is he a traitor or a patriot? We must first understand that according to the Constitution of Pakistan, it is written in Article 6 that there should be punishment for breaking the law. The article also states that this was the only Constitution Article that would be effective from 1956 onwards.

In past, we had to hold Ayub Khan, who violated the 1956 constitution, accountable. Then we had to hold Yahya Khan accountable. He not only violated the constitution but caused dismemberment of the country. We also had to hold General Zia-ul-Haq accountable. We cannot apply Article 6 on them.

This decision is a testimony to the rule of democracy and civilian supremacy in the country. We do not know whether this decision will be implemented. But the judicial system of Pakistan has proved that there is nothing greater than the constitution.

Muhammad Asad Ali

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2019.

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