ReligionDispatches.org

The “long march” to Islamabad undertaken by thousands of Pakistani lawyers and activists advocating for the restoration of an independent judiciary represents a resounding call for democracy amidst Pakistan’s political volatility and oppressive rule by President Asif Zardari teetering it towards chaos. Due to corrupt, ineffectual leadership – a role admirably played by Zardari - and a series of military dictatorships – most recently exemplified by General Pervez Musharaff – Pakistan’s Constitution and democratic processes seem as malleable as Play-Doh putty. In 2007, Chief Justice Iftekhar Chaudhry – one of the most respected and popular personalities in Pakistan – challenged Musharraf’s autocratic decision to run for President while remaining Chief of the Army. Musharaff declared Martial Law and unilaterally removed Chaudhry along with 60 other judges.