So, as expected, General Pervez Musharraf has struck again. Pakistan has a history of non-violent coups and there is no indication to suggest that this will not be one. Hours after imposition of Emergency rule, life in the street is as normal as before. Islamabad is the only city where telephone lines have been blocked; elsewhere, only TV news channels have gone off air. The people, by and large, have taken the Emergency order in their stride because it is least likely to affect their routine. Only errant politicians will be constrained from making anti-Musharraf statements or organising protest rallies.

The provisions of the Provisional Constitution Order and what it means for whom will become clear as soon as the General gives his speech. What is clear so far is that it’s a coup on the judiciary.

The Americans obviously know better than lesser mortals in Pakistan, and if The New York Times is to be believed, eight of the 11 Supreme Court judges had swiftly refused to uphold the Emergency order as soon as it was issued Saturday evening. The fate of the non-complying judges will become clear in the hours ahead but the Chief Justice has been sacked, a new one has been sworn in. It would be naive to ask under what authority in a country where there is only one real authority from which all other authorities emanate: that of the bullet as opposed to the ballot.

The Emergency rule is likely to offer an umbrella protection to investment into the economy; even give concessions for further investment. This makes sense because the uncertainty surrounding as to who shall prevail, the court or Musharraf, has been quashed for now. While there may be an initial selling rush on the stock exchange, aimed at benefiting key government protagonists, stability shall soon return.

... contd.