ISSN 2039-2117 (online) ISSN 2039-9340 (print) Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy Vol 5 No 14 July 2014 560 Controlled Democracy and Political Opposition in Pakistan: A Case Study of Musharraf Era Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Head of Political Science Department, Govt Islamia College Faisalabad, Pakistan Email: zahoor707@gmail.com Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi Head of Department of Politics and International Relations International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan Email: manzoor_s01@yahoo.com Doi:10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n14p560 Abstract The paper analysez the state of democracy, process of democratization and challenges to the government in Pervez Musharraf regime. It was a time when Musharraf introduced some new phenomena and reforms to the politcal set up of Pakistan. Some were appreciated in and outside of the country but others were bitterly criticized. Musharraf implemented National Security Council (NSC) to check over parliament. It had been observed that all important issues had been dominated by the military establishment. Military establishment adopted forced methology to attain results which were contradictory to democratic norms and values. Aim of the paper here is to discuss that why Musharraf introduced something new and were considered undemocratic? How political forces challenged his government and international pressure was applied? Methodology used in this research is descriptive-analytical, as to describe the events and then analyze them with arguments. It is concuded in the paper that Pakistani public rejected Musharraf and his allies in 2008 general elections, by bringing a civil democratic political structure in country. Keywords: Musharraf, Democracy, PCO, NRO, Benazir Bhutto 1. Introduction Pakistan grew out with the political frustration since independence. Its political history is filled with military and civilian regimes. Musharraf regime should be divided into two parts e.g. military regime and civilian regime. From 1999 to 2002, Musharraf enjoyed complete authority alone whereas from 2002 to 2008, he had to accommodate the civilian government. Double standard political regime had been observed during Musharraf era. National and international political observers calculated his regime in the context of War on Terrorism. Washington had compromised democracy in Pakistan because of concrete steps taken by Musharraf on War on Terrorism. On political front, he did almost all those things what his predecessors Ayub Khan and Zia-ul-Haq did to extend his power. At the initial stage, Musharraf did not touch judiciary and had taken oath under 1973 constitution as Chief Executive. In return, he was given political concession by the judiciary for next three years in keeping with promise to hold election before expiry of 3 years. Superior Judiciary had continued its practice according to 1973 constitution. Issue of Provincial constitution Order (PCO) was raised in January 2000, when the petitions against Musharraf were conceptionally acknowledged. Now Musharraf Administration decided to approach those judges whose voices were favorable. Finally, judiciary was again hijacked and had entertained Musharraf with oath ceremony under PCO, introduced by military regime. It was not new development in the political spectrum of Pakistan. Later on, Musharraf implemented accountability, introduced pro-Musharraf political party, friendly opposition and National Security Council to dominate parliament. With these developments, Musharraf sidelined moderate and secular minded political parties and put forward MMA in parliament for securing maximum benefits under the shadow of War on Terrorism. Musharraf launched military operations against Taliban in northern areas and banned religious Jihadi organizations in Punjab and Karachi. These forceful military operations had promoted extremism and severely damaged the entire society. The observers stated that Musharraf support on War on Terrorism had shaken Pakistan’s political and economic infrastructure. The foreign investors packed luggage and local investors preferred to move across the state. No doubt, Washington financially assisted Pakistan but the losses, faced by the