In a recent interview Gen Musharraf stated that Pakistan was about to be declared a "failed-state" and that he would choose Pakistan over "so-called democracy". When he took over power in a coup in 1999, one of his justifications was that the country was about to be declared a failed state. Today, he reminds us again of the possibility.

Is this what he has accomplished after having absolute power for eight years? Pakistan is not a failed state, but it may turn into one if President Musharraf continues to rule this country. Pakistan`s salvation lies in the supremacy of the constitution and the presence of strong institutions such as the judiciary, parliament and the media.

But the ruling junta has purged the judiciary of upright judges and has blacked out independent-media channels that negate the government`s propaganda. With a partisan "caretaker" setup now in place, the stage is set for rigged elections.

The need of the hour is clear; removal of the ‘martial law’ imposed on Nov 3 and an end to the military`s role in politics, ensuring the supremacy of the constitution, reinstatement of all the Supreme Court and high court judges who refused to take oath under the PCO, repeal of the draconian PEMRA laws and transparent elections under the supervision of a reconstituted and impartial Election Commission.

President Musharraf and a progressive Pakistan with strong institutions cannot co-exist. It is time all of us made a choice; I, for one, have chosen my country.