Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a failed state due to its military rule that threatens to endanger its own and the entire regions security, the International Crisis Groups (ICG) said in its new report.
Washington, Aug 1 : Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a failed state due to its military rule that threatens to endanger its own and the entire region's security, the International Crisis Group's (ICG) said in its new report.
The report titled 'Elections, Democracy and Stability in Pakistan' examined the serious challenges to almost eight years of General Pervez Musharraf's military rule and the implications of a growing civil society and political opposition that is demanding the military's withdrawal from politics.
General Musharraf wants to retain power at any cost, the ICG report said, adding that the rigging of elections or proclaiming emergency rule could be disastrous nationally and regionally.
As such democracy, and rule of law should be are restored through free and fair elections this year, the ICG said.
"The end of the military regime is now a matter of time", said Samina Ahmed, ICG's South Asia project director.
"The manner, in which elections are held will determine if there is a peaceful, orderly democratic transition or a violent transition in Pakistan," the Daily Times quoted her, as saying.
The report also charged Musharraf and the military of maintaining power by suppressing democratic forces and rigging national and local elections.
Empowerment of Islamist parties to counter moderate opposition has been significant, and is now essential to the military government, the report added.
The report also highlighted how the growing pro-democracy movement has left Musharraf with few choices, and the judiciary can no longer be counted on to endorse unconstitutional acts.
Another rigged or stolen election could possibly lead to a violent confrontation between the military and protesters, the report said.
The ICG report suggests that the US should understand that its interests are best served by a democratically governed Pakistan and not by military rule.
The report said that backing a deeply unpopular military regime is no way to fight terrorism and neutralise religious extremism.
ANI