Location: The Heritage Foundation's Allison Auditorium

Pakistani President Musharraf suspended the constitution and imposed a state of emergency on November 3, leading to a massive crack down on the country’s democratic institutions and civil society.  He has detained thousands of lawyers, politicians, civil society activists, and political party workers, including former Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Aitzaz Ahsan.  Musharraf has shut down major media outlets and instituted restrictive curbs on others.  More than 60 judges, out of a total of 97, have refused to accept the new Provisional Constitutional Order decreed by Musharraf. 

The international community has expressed disapproval over Musharraf’s actions but stopped short of outright condemnation.  The U.S. relies on cooperation from Pakistan’s military in fighting extremists along its border with Afghanistan as well as Pakistani land, sea, and air rights to support the coalition efforts in Afghanistan.  With an increasing extremist threat to Pakistan itself, many are asking whether Musharraf’s actions will further destabilize the situation in Pakistan.  How can the U.S. convince Musharraf to reverse course and move back to a path of restoring civilian-led democracy to the country?  What are the stakes involved and possible paths out of the current crisis?  Join us for a panel discussion that will explore these and other issues related to U.S. policy toward Pakistan.