August 09, 2008	Saturday	Sha’aban 6, 1429

LAHORE, Aug 8: Commenting on the decision to impeach President Pervez Musharraf, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Friday asked the ruling coalition to redeem all the pledges it had made to establish democracy and supremacy of parliament.

“It should restore judges to ensure independence of the judiciary and strive to rid people of grinding poverty and unemployment,” HRCP chairperson Asma Jahangir said in a statement.

“On Thursday, the leaders of the coalition parties chose to move in the right direction. It is high time the coalition rose to the occasion and made the electorate forgive their dithering.”

These pledges are: a complete break from authoritarianism, transition to democratic governance and establishment of the supremacy of parliament; restoration of judges and independence of the judiciary; and a concerted campaign to alleviate the socio-economic plight of the people, especially to secure their release from poverty, unemployment and various forms of denial of their basic rights and freedoms.

“For the citizens elections and change of regime are not meant to provide only for the advancement of a few, nor are they matter for academic quibbling or rhetorical flourishes, these are merely mileposts on their journey towards freedom, security and prosperity.

“The coalition leaders’ earnestness in resolutely pursuing the course they have chosen alone will guarantee them the public support without which the state cannot achieve anything. Besides, no political arrangement can survive by adding fresh pledges to older, unfulfilled commitments. Consequences of allowing the latest resolution to meet a fate similar to that of the Charter of Democracy or the Murree Declaration will be too dreadful to be imagined.”