Politics in Pakistan
The political drama in Pakistan took yet another turn when the government finally allowed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to set foot on Pakistani soil. This former chief minister of Punjab, who had served twice as prime minister, suddenly seems to be the hero in this game of politics in contrast with the other former prime minister who is said to have negotiated a deal with the ruling establishment. But the real question is what next?
The failure of Pervez Musharraf's dealings with Benazir Bhutto serves a lesson to the current emergency government about the uncertainties associated with dealing with former heads of government. Even though court rulings have validated Mr. Musharraf's imposition of the state of emergency, it appears the situation has turned even more volatile with street protests and agitations. Now with both former prime ministers in Pakistan are bent on seeing an end to the general's rule, tough times await both the nation and its premier. Undemocratic as Mr. Musharraf's move may be, no one can deny the massive development and restructuring that Pakistan has benefited from during his rule. While both the former prime ministers scorn at Musharraf's unconstitutional practices, their own corruption records are no secret locked up in Swiss bank accounts.
The real task before Mr. Musharraf right now is ensuring that the changes he has made, the modernism he has introduced, the fight against extremism that he has launched are upheld.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments