Miliband: Musharraf action setting back democracy
Pakistan stands at a decisive moment in its history following the suspension of the constitution, the foreign secretary said.
Speaking to reporters two days after Pakistan’s president Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency, David Miliband said the future of Pakistan rests on the nation’s ability to harness the power of democracy and the rule of law.
Mr Miliband argued the events of the last few days have set back this transition to democracy, essential for the stability and security of Pakistan.
The government has called on general Musharraf to guarantee elections will take place in January. The Pakistani president is also under international pressure to resign as head of the military and lift restrictions on the media.
General Musharraf declared a state of emergency at the weekend in response to rising militant violence. The constitution was suspended before the supreme court was due to rule on whether his re-election last month was valid while he was acting as army chief.
Police have clashed with protesters on the streets, with thousands of arrests amid violent scenes. Lawyers have continued to lead protests in the street despite a crackdown by riot police.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr Miliband said the state of emergency was not in the interests of Pakistan or the global fight against terrorism.
Mr Miliband said: “The time is now for President Musharraf to be absolutely clear that elections will go ahead on January 15th on a free and fair basis; that he will indeed resign as the head of the army by November 15th; that the arrests of political prisoners will now be reversed and that they will be released; and that the restrictions on the media that have been brought in will be stopped and reversed – restrictions including on the BBC.”
The foreign secretary also addressed the Pakistani community in Britain, who he said were “obviously going to be very concerned about the situation”.
He said: “I want them to know that the government shares their concern, has transmitted that concern at the highest levels to the Pakistani government, not least through my conversation today with Foreign Minister Kasuri, who spoke to me from Islamabad, and that we will continue to voice those concerns at this vital time for Pakistan.”
Downing Street has confirmed UK aid to Pakistan is under review.
The Department for International Development had been providing £236 million in aid over a three-year period. This was set to double over 2008-11 to £480 million.
