Pakistan

The News International, Pakistan dated Thursday, October 01, 2009 writes in its editorial,

If elections can be held in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the law and order situation is far more worse than in Pakistan, it's not understandable as to why these can't be held in Pakistan, and, particularly, in Punjab where the situation is much better than the other provinces. Requesting for postponement of elections is a clear admission on part of PML(N) led Punjab government that they have failed to restore the law and order situation. What if after another three and a half year PPP led federal government takes the same stance to postpone the next general elections?

Commenting on the presentation of pardon documents, duly signed by PML(N) leader Nawaz Sharif, by advocate-general of Sindh in the court, Khwaja Asif of PML(N) accused that it was done on the instructions of President Zardari. Khwaja Asif stated in the Parliament that Mr. Zardari had once again started the politics of confrontation. Khwaja Asif commented, “If they continue character assassination of our leadership then we will also tell the people how Farooq H Naek brought the NRO (National Reconciliatory Ordinance) before us to give indemnity to Gen Musharraf” . He further said," The president lacks credibility and no body trusts him". Responding from the treasury benches, Ms Mehreen Anwer Raja said those who are criticising the NRO should tell the people who begged the military dictator for pardon. The speaker expunged the remarks from the proceedings on the request of Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mehreen Anwar Raja and Fauzia Wahab.

Politics in Pakistan has nothing to do with principles which are nothing but a rhetoric to befool the masses. The above event very clearly indicates the tacit understanding between the two major political parties that neither would expose the other as both have a lot to hide. The moment one side tries to violate that understanding, the other side 'blows the whistle'.

The current state of power and politics in Pakistan is a strange balance which is detriment to the development of our country and the well being of the poor. Pakistan Peoples Party is in power in the centre and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz group) in Punjab. Coalition governments in Sindh and North West Frontier Province (NWFP) have also brought Muttehidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) in the fold of power.

Supreme Court of Pakistan made a landmark judgement overruling one of its earlier verdicts regarding the disqualification of the two brothers to contest parlimentary elections. The decision of the bench of five judges was unanimous. The bench also included two judges of the previous bench which had given the judgement of disqualification. This has paved way for Mr. Nawaz Sharif to return to parliment by contesting bye elections and Mr. Shahbaz Sharif to continue as Chief Minister of Punjab.

The judgement could not have come about without the restoration of judiciary after the threatening long march of March 16, 2009. This is the first personal benefit Mr. Nawaz Sharif and his party have got of their supporting the movement of restoration of judiciary. This judgement is going to have far reaching effects on the political course of our country. By giving this judgement, Supreme Court has set a course for itself which is pretty clear. Whereas, PPP has welcomed the judgement, it will now be keeping its fingers crossed over the issue of NRO. The government will have to be extra careful and arbitrary decision will become difficult. Mr. Nawaz Sharif's return to parliment will provide him inner strength and confidence to lead his party, the parliment will become more active and it will become further difficult for PPP led coalition to ignore PML(N). And, from now on, Nawaz Sharif will be in a position to pose real personal threat to the politics of Zardari.