Mush most hated man in Pak: Top lawyer

In his first interview to an Indian newspaper since he came out of detention on Wednesday, PPP leader and supreme court bar association leader Aitzaz Ahsan talks about the issues confronting Pakistan at the moment. Q: Where is Pakistan heading now after this week’s verdict? A: The verdict is very clear. President Musharraf has to go. The verdict is against him. He is the most hated man in Pakistan at the moment. The people have spoken against him but he is hanging on to power. But, under no circumstances can he survive now. He has to go. Q: But, he’s got the backing of the US... A: Americans are trying to micro-manage Pakistan. It’s a mistake. The people of this country have given a verdict. It should be respected. Efforts to save Musharraf through some other means will not lead to a stable government. Q: But, the PPP and PML(N) have differences over the reinstatement of the sacked judges. That can rock the future government. A: Both the parties agree in principle on the independence of judiciary. And whatever differences they have, can be sorted out easily. I am sure the differences will be resolved. Q: While your party took part in the elections, you chose to stay away. Why? A: A country cannot be democratic until it has an independent judiciary. Until that happens, people cannot be empowered. That’s why the lawyers are still fighting for the judges. And they will fight till they get an independent judiciary that protects the rights of the people. Q: Do you believe in judicial activism? In India it has created some serious problems. A: India doesn’t need judicial activism. It has 60 years of democratic experience. But Pakistan needs it. Q: There are talks of you becoming the next PM. Am I talking to the future PM of Pakistan? A: No. I am not in the race. My only objective at the moment is restoration of the judiciary.