Pakistan..

http://www.humanist-international.org
The Humanist International denounces the emergency state decree imposed by Mr. Musharaf in Pakistan.

The Humanist International views with great concern the situation that is currently unfolding in Pakistan. The state of emergency imposes a clampdown on freedom of communication, expression, assembly ; the judges of the supreme court are being changed, all this of course puts fear among the people and compromises the current campaign for election in January.

You say you want democracy, but how can we trust in you, Mr. Musharaf? Since 1999, during 8 years, tell us what have you done so far to reestablish democracy in Pakistan? What have you done constructive for democracy? And tell us how long should Pakistani wait to reach it?

You say to the other democracies of the world that you need more time for transition, but why should your people wait more? Do you consider them dull? Do you believe that Pakistanis are not intellectually mature enough for democracy? Is that the proper way to consider your people, your country’s history and future ?
You say you want to win against terrorism. But you are still fighting an endless war in Waziristan with some few radical Islamist militants that your secret agencies and the USA have trained and armed.
If you want real democracy you have to respect the law and judgements of supreme court without controlling or influencing judges.
We want you to understand that you can’t hold back history and evolution - that, when you force something toward an end you produce the contrary. Do not listen to the voices so interested for their own power and business. Do not listen to the ones who are creating chaos and destabilizing all the regions of the world for their own reasons of super-control.
Education toward active non-violence is the only coherent way to achieve social change: change that is required to eliminate violence in all its forms from human society. Pakistan needs concrete acts:
- The ban of small weapons retained by civilians and paramilitary
- The guarantee of the respect of all creeds and religions
- No nuclear proliferation
- More funds to education and health programmes
We recommend that you listen to the old and wise voices of Pakistan. The voices that preach love, peace and tolerance, across the continent, from the profound in their hearts; without fears and without violence.
Work for your people, for your personal enlightenment and for the unity of your peoples. Then with these priorities the path of your actions going toward democracy will be clear and we can place trust in that good will. But today you have just deceived us all, the Pakistanis and the humanists of the world.

Signed:
Sudhir Gandotra
Spokesperson of Humanist International - Asia