Today is an anti-climax to what could have been a historic day. Instead of being elated at PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif’s announcement that the pre-November 3 judiciary will be restored in Pakistan on May 12, many new questions are now being raised.

Firstly, why the delay? The National Assembly is prorogued, but only requires a 24-hour notice for a session to be called. Secondly, what are the details of the ‘controversial’ constitutional package? If one believes the rumor mill, the judges’ tenures and their powers may be curtailed under this package, which Nawaz Sharif says is still under discussion. Thirdly, what will be the fate of those judges that did take an oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order on November 3 2007? And most important of all, what tricks do PPP leader Asif Zardari and President Musharraf have up their sleeves?

The Emergency Times sent out an e-mail soon after the declaration, suggesting a plot was brewing in the Presidency to stop the restoration of judges:

A high level meeting of Pervez Musharraf, PML-Q led by former Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat and Musharraf’s legal team, led by Sharifuddin Pirzada took place at the President’s house today. A source privy to the meeting informed us about the possible plans to derail the restoration of the judges that were discussed in today’s meeting. Suggestions included having a stay order against the working of the parliament, offering money and black-mailing members of PML-N and PPP (reminder: Faisal Saleh Hayat was a PPP member but joined PML-Q after having his multiple murder and corruption charges dropped). The judges have been promised to be restored by Nawaz Sharif by the 12th and we must actively oppose all possible moves to derail the process.

The Pakistani government must take steps, and now, to prevent any ruler, whether civilian or military, from curtailing the independence of the judiciary in the future. It must also ensure that no judge will be forced to take a new oath that is worded to suit the whims of a ruler. The Pakistani Army has ruled over this country for an odd 30 years or so. The democratic leaders have plundered this country, and taken the people for a ride. Enough is enough, let justice prevail, for once.