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Musharraf Decision May Strengthen Civilian Supremacy

Ayesha Tanzeem

   ISLAMABAD - The sentencing of Pakistan's former military ruler General
   Pervez Musharraf to death on charges of high treason is being acclaimed
   by many political analysts as a victory for civilian leaders in their
   long-running competition for power with the military.

   "It sets a precedent that would be hard to ignore by any future
   adventurist," said Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, a senator of the opposition
   Pakistan Peoples' Party. "Even if a democratic government is dismissed,
   constitution abrogated or held in abeyance, return to democracy would
   immediately trigger calls for a trial for treason."

   Pakistan has alternated throughout its existence between direct
   military rule and civilian governments that were subject to indirect
   military intervention. For the first time in the country's history, the
   past two civilian governments completed their tenure and a third is in
   power.

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