Those who don't speak out now are supporting the lawless society in Pakistan

I am impressed by the patriotism and bravery of many Pakistani ordinary citizens .There support and activism is admirable. But missing are a some of the organization of note here in USA. In fact I was very sad to read the press release by Pak-PAC and also a statement of Raza Bokhari The president on APPNA List serv.

Response to Emergency Rule in Pakistan: Distancing from President Musharraf
not in the Best Interest of the United States, Says Raza Bokhari


PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a
statement by Raza Bokhari, president of the Pakistani American Public
Affairs Committee:


The recent extra constitutional steps taken by President Musharraf
resulting in the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan remain a
continued target of criticism by U.S. presidential candidates, legislators
and policy makers. While it is true that such extreme measures are rarely
popular, it is quite troubling that there is no note of recognition that
the head of a nation has a fiduciary responsibility to make tough decisions
in the interest of national security in order to preserve and protect the
nation and its citizens.

Even before September 11, 2001, several U.S. presidents had declared
national states of emergency in response to various situations. During the
American Civil War, President Lincoln suspended civil liberties to save the
Union. In 1995 President Clinton declared a limited state of emergency to
deal with the threats of disruption of the Middle East peace process; he
expanded this national emergency in 1998 to order a strike against Osama
Bin Laden.

Since September 11, President Bush has taken several steps through
executive orders and the U.S. Congress has passed laws, notably the NSA
warrant-less surveillance program and Military Commission Act of 2006,
which infringe on civil liberties in the interest of national security. In
addition, U.S. presidents historically have resorted to extra
constitutional measures by issuing Signing Statements when enacting laws in
an attempt to nullify parts of the legislation passed by the Congress.

President Reagan and President Bush Sr. were known to be strong
proponents of the Signing Statements and President Clinton also used them
frequently while in office. There is an ongoing controversy over the
extensive use of Signing Statements by President George W. Bush to modify
the meaning of the law. In July 2006, a task force of the American Bar
Association condemned the use of Signing Statements by the president and
declared them contrary to the rule of law and our constitutional system of
separation of powers, but nevertheless these Signing Statements remain in
effect.

Besides the United States, which remains in a nominal state of
emergency, countries like Georgia, Israel, Egypt, Syria, the Palestinian
occupied territories, Bangladesh, Guinea, Fiji and Brunei operate in an
ongoing state of emergency. In some of these countries the state of
emergency has been in place for several decades.

It cannot be disputed that in Pakistan there has been an escalating
deterioration of law and order. Besides unwarranted judicial activism led
by the deposed chief justice, law enforcement agencies, the armed forces
and proponents of enlightened moderation are increasingly becoming a target
of terrorism through suicide bombing. There is a resurgence of extremism in
the Northern Western Frontier Province and the Federally Administered
Tribal Areas, forcing the region to the brink of a civil war. Taliban and
Al-Qaeda forces are strengthening their stronghold along the
Pakistan-Afghanistan border and NATO, Pakistani and other coalition forces
have suffered significant loss of troops. These are grave challenges that
make it impossible to resist imposition of a national state of emergency.
There is precedence in Pakistan and the region for taking such an action;
notably in India in 1975.

While pursuit of perfection is an unfinished business and President
Musharraf can and must do more, he has nonetheless been a reliable U.S.
partner in fighting terrorism, promoting enlightened moderation, empowering
women, catalyzing economic growth, fostering permanent peace in the
sub-continent, and is speedily working toward restoring complete democracy
and civilian rule. For the past seven years he has adeptly walked a very
fine line that has resulted in the people of Pakistan beginning to realize
the universally essential value of better relations with the United States.

President Musharraf's abrupt departure from the center stage is neither
in the best interest of us in the United States nor in the best interest of
the people of Pakistan. He is a pivotal anchor for moderate forces and
various stakeholders, such as the armed forces, intelligence agencies,
secular and religious political parties, and global allies to foster a
consensus toward building a secure, stable and a democratic Pakistan.

It is a mistake for us not to recognize that agitation against
President Musharraf and his policies on the streets of Pakistan directly
demonstrate agitation and opposition against the interest of United States
in the region. Suggestions of curtailing economic and military assistance
to Pakistan by some presidential candidates and legislators are not wise at
this time, and will serve only to fuel these agitations and jeopardize U.S.
interests.

We must and should continue to support President Musharraf to lead the
way in fighting terrorism and restoring civilian rule in Pakistan.

Raza Bokhari is president of the Pakistani American Public Affairs
Committee (PAKPAC).

My My ? I can't Believe this because I know Saud Anwer who has been working hard for Pak Pac and is a very sincere Pakistani, I have checked PaK-PAC website the press release also does not even mention the restoration of Judiciary. here
Checking the page indicates they are for the fundamental rights of civil society in USA , against patriot act but are not disturbed by the 160 million people stripped of all their rights with no check or reprieve just so that the King stays in power.This is a travesty that none of the leading organizations that espouse to be For Pakistan don't see the difference between For Pakistan Means People in Pakistan and not The GOP . APPNA which I think should stay as a professional organization but always does make it it's buisness to issue statements is quiet too.Here I urge every one to contact these organisation info@pakpac.net and ed@appna.org .This is like Charagh tale Undhera, I have been fervently calling the news media and bar associations and our own are quiet ( politically) This is moral corruptness. Look at how others are doing Imran Hunger strike, Journalist and lawyers being beaten ,We need to do our part. Call em now please
Israr