The timing of imposing a state of emergency in Pakistan suggests that President Pervez Musharraf mainly aimed at pre-empting a court ruling on his re-election, a leading daily stated in New York on Monday. The daily asked the United States to urge him to honour his pledge to give up his uniform and hold elections soon.
Besides, the Wall Street Journal said, the Bush Administration will have to speak clearly to Pakistanis that its support for its government is not limited to Musharraf.
"After this weekend, it is clearer than ever that US policy has to prepare for the post-Musharraf era," it stressed in an editorial.
The editorial rejected Musharraf's contention that the imposition of emergency is in response to rising Islamic militancy and instability caused by the interfering judiciary. The Wall Street Journal said that by attacking the sources of moderate civil society, Musharraf is making it easier for the Islamists to pose as the main opposition.
"A more effective way to defeat the extremists is by respecting the rule of law and introducing a democratic government that reflects the wishes of Pakistan's mostly moderate population," it added.
The timing of emergency and his sacking of the chief justice of the Supreme Court suggest that the General was mainly interested in pre-empting a ruling on his recent re-election, which the opposition boycotted, the paper said.
It said the administration should urge Musharraf to fulfill his commitment for moving towards a democratic rule.
The US interest won't be served by moving to sever ties with Musharraf, or with the Pakistan military, it said adding, "That would only reduce whatever leverage the US continues to have with Islamabad.