Editorial
Testing time for Pakistan
Strong and democratic government is the need of the hour
The ruling People's Party of Pakistan suffered a jerk with the sudden pronouncement of its coalition partner MQM to sit on the opposition benches.
Without MQM's 25 seats, the PPP's coalition numbers 160 seats in the 342-member National Assembly, 12 short of the 172 required for a majority. The PPP has only the support of the Awami National Party in the lower house now. Hectic negotiations are already underway and according to reports, Prime Minister Gilani has already contacted PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for support and more such meetings with different parties are likely to follow to strike a solution to save the government. We are under the impression that MQM's parting with the government was not intended to bring about its fall, for they should be wise enough to realize the implications in the event of fall of a civilian government. Military takeovers are a trend in Pakistan greatly obstructing unperturbed growth of democracy. It is inspiring to note that the Pakistan Army Chief has distanced himself from the crisis and assured that the army is not interested to take over.
Tragically, Pakistan is struck by crisis both internal and external. Pakistan has had to give space to the US which is fighting the Taliban's in Afghanistan; it has also to bear the brunt of regular drone attacks by US. And relationship with India needs regular fine-tuning. Add to it, the civilian causalities resulting in bomb attacks all over the country. One would like to see Pakistan stand up and prove that it is competent to tackle the problem of violent extremism all by itself.
We strongly hope that this crisis will be met sooner than later, either with a new coalition or a national government of consensus. As neighbours, we would like to see the present government in Pakistan finish its full term in office and democracy back in full operation. A stable Pakistan is imperative for regional and global peace and ambience of security and cooperation in the neighbourhood.
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