The caretaker government has acted wisely in not pursuing the charges made against Musharraf. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
The caretakers may, from some quarters, be accused of cowardice. But they have, essentially speaking, acted wisely. As the government has pointed out through the AG, getting embroiled in a controversy such as the treason charge which enwraps General (retd) Musharraf, may detract from the coming election and its conduct, while also leaving the incoming government tied up in a sensitive issue with many potential complications. This it has deemed would not be fair and any decision regarding the issue should be made by the incoming government, elected by the people. The role of the interim set-up, now here only for a few more weeks, is after all, only to conduct a fair poll and hand over power. This should remain its focus and its recognition of this is welcome. Indeed, at its cabinet meeting, the caretakers also decided not to take action on longer-term projects, so that any new government was not tied down by them. Clearly Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso and his team have their priorities laid out quite clearly before them. We should be glad.
Of course, persons who have committed crimes or broken the law need to be punished for these offences. It seems very likely that General (retd) Musharraf does indeed fall in this category, looking at history. But the matter needs to be handled by an elected, full-time government, which can ponder all the repercussions. The caretakers have a definite role: organising an election. They should not look beyond this target and instead leave matters for a future government to sort out on the basis of whatever policies it chooses to adopt. The approach taken then, is a wise one.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2013.
COMMENTS (4)
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Caretaker government is formed with the sole purpose of ensuring a free and fair election. As it is not backed by the people's mandate it can not take even any policy decision too ( which have long time effects) So naturally caretaker is not i will say empowered to take a issue like treason charges which shall take longer to decide as well as the time long time effects on the society A right decision..
People need sensible advice and guidance in controversial situations. Good Job ET!
A very sensible editorial by ET, thanks for that. The neutral caretaker govt came in only for one reason and that is to hold elections and hand the power over to the newly elected govt. This is the only objective and there should be no ifs and buts. It is refreshing to see the caretaker did not try to get into long term planning and decisions and not making themselves controversial.
Mush has committed high treason more than a dozen years ago. We have waited this long and would not die if we wait for another two weeks or so. He is already in detention where he belongs and should get a fair trial prosecuted by the newly elected govt with a fresh mandate. I have been an opponent of all dictators and the arrogant Mush is no exception. However, we should leave this hot potato for the next govt which can make long term strategy and plans to deal with all issues including Mush’s trial. No good can come out by rushing the trial by the neutral caretaker govt.