It was a good move of Gen Musharraf to stand down as Army Chief after ending his eight years military rule to ease the country's political crises. Handing taking over ceremony was impressive. Contingent was smartly turned out and its movements during the march were immaculately coordinated. This showed high morale of army personnel and good standard of training that won applauds of viewers watching the ceremony at PTV.

By stepping down as Army Chief, Gen Musharraf has met a demand of lawyers who have been struggling since March 9, 2007 for ending military rule and establishment of independent and strong judiciary. Their other demands like restoration of status quo ante, as it prevailed on November 3, 2007, forming national care-taker government for holding upcoming general elections, lifting of emergency, restoration of judiciary and the constitution, lifting of curbs on media, reinstatement of deposed judges, release of    lawyers, journalists, political workers and rights activists who still are under detention in jails/houses are still not fulfilled. Lawyers are continuing boycott of courts and hunger strike camps. Disposal of cases is being delayed in courts. Under-trial prisoners even with minor bail able cases against them are rotting in jails that amount punishing them without trial. It is afraid unless the lawyers demands are not met, tense situation will continue. Rulers are requested to take appropriate measures to administer dispensation of speedy justice to under-trial prisoners and address the problems of public including lawyers.

Gangly Khan
Mandi Bahauddin