President General Pervez Musharraf on Monday, briefing foreign diplomats based in Islamabad, about the current situation in the country said that the superior judiciary had paralysed various organs of the State and created impediments in the fight against terrorism, which led to imposition of emergency.
The President said that Pakistan was facing challenges because of certain decisions of the superior judiciary, creating a state of dysfunction of vital pillars of the State, and added that this situation was not acceptable.
Addressing the diplomats in the Aiwan-e-Sadr, he said that law enforcement authorities and provincial governments were facing obstacles in maintaining internal security situation and sustaining the fight against terrorism.
He assured the diplomats that efforts were being made, in a phased manner, to move towards complete democracy, since 1999. He mentioned the first phase from 1999 to 2002, where he was in full control of the government affairs.
It was followed by the second phase from 2002-07 where an elected parliament was functioning along with provincial assemblies and local governments, and his role was confined to advise the government on various issues of national importance.
President Musharraf reaffirmed his commitment towards complete transition to democracy, saying that elections would be held. He said a number of decisions and deliberations would have to be taken in view of the new legal situation very soon.
He urged the global community to understand the ground realities in the country and the decision taken to stabilise the situation. He also mentioned the role of media that in some cases seemed to be helping the cause of extremists and terrorists by showing the gory scenes of suicide bombings that encouraged these elements to carry on with their heinous acts.
The President said that difficult decisions had to be taken in national interest for ensuring effective governance, maintaining writ of the government, law and order, security in the country and averting decline in economic growth. He said the new measures would ensure that there would be harmonious functioning between main pillars of the state and the armed forces of the country.