Question

Why did Pakistani media and Human Rights Organisation criticise General Parvez Musharraf?

a) Musharraf over threw an elected government and declared himself as the ‘Chief Executive’.
b) Musharraf changed his designation to President and held a referendum that granted him a

5 year extension which was based on mal practices and fraud.
c) He was an autocratic ruler.
d) None of the above.​

Answer 1

(b) is the correct answer.

• Pervez Musharraf was an army general who overthrew the democratically elected government of Pakistan through a military coup in 1999 and declared himself the President of the country in 2001.
• In 2002, Musharraf held a referendum to legitimise his claim to power and to grant himself a democratic 5-year extension. The referendum was approved by approximately 97% of the voters.
• However, critics of the rule claim that the referendum was based on malpractices and fraud. Basically, the election was rigged in favour of Musharraf.
• In addition, the constitution of Pakistan made no reference to the fact that a president could be elected through a referendum. Hence, it was seen as a sham and an attempt by Musharraf to bend the rules.
• The response was a stark criticism of his referendum by the Pakistani media and the Human Rights Organisation, who saw it as unconstitutional.

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Answer 2

Answer:

B

Explanation:

• Musharraf altered his title to President and called a vote that gave him a five-year extension based on dishonesty and fraud.
• Army commander Pervez Musharraf led a military coup in 1999 to overthrow Pakistan's democratically elected government, and he subsequently proclaimed himself the nation's leader in 2001.
• Musharraf conducted a referendum in 2002 to validate his claim to the presidency and give himself a democratic 5-year term. Approximately 97% of voters passed the referendum.
• The referendum, according to the rule's detractors, was founded on unethical and dishonest procedures. Essentially, Musharraf was given an advantage in the election.
• The possibility of a referendum being used to elect a president was also not included in the Pakistani constitution. As a result, it was perceived as a ruse and an effort by Musharraf to circumvent the law.

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