Pakistan: Indian allies show their support against martial law in Pakistan

"We unequivocally condemn the imposition of Emergency in Pakistan by General Musharraf, along with the promulgation of the Provisional Constitution Order, suspension of fundamental rights, muzzling of the press, and violence against lawyers, human rights activists, journalists, feminists, artists, trade unionists and other civil society members. We condemn the arrest of the regime's critics and demand their unconditional release.

Musharraf claims to be saving Pakistan from 'suicide,' primarily through 'religious militancy'. Yet, armed militias are being allowed to overrun Swat. The Shariah has been imposed, Pakistani flags on government buildings replaced by religious ones, and the Frontier Constabulary in Daroshkhela town disarmed and disbanded by the militants. These are grim portents with roots in the U.S. backed military-mullah alliance of the 1980s. Musharraf has chosen to wage war against Pakistan's liberals instead of combating fundamentalist militants.

We express our support and solidarity with Pakistani civil society in its twin struggle against Musharraf's tyrannical rule and religious fundamentalism. We demand the immediate lifting of the Emergency, restoration of the Constitution, the judiciary, the independent press and the parliament. We hope the international community will support the people of Pakistan in their hour of need and help its transition to genuine democracy.

Signed:

Kamla Bhasin
Praful Bidwai
Amrita Chhachhi
Sonia Jabbar
Ritu Menon
Bina Agarwal
Sheba Chhachhi
Sumit Sarkar
Tanika Sarkar
Smitu Kothari
Anuradha Chenoy
Renuka Mishra
Pamela Philipose
A. G. Krishna Menon
Achin Vanaik
Kamal Chenoy
Ratna Menon
Indira Chandrasekhar
Prabeen Singh
Narendar Punjwani
Harsh Kapoor

12 November 2007