Shaheryar Azhar
(A commentary analyzing the conditions that led to the now open confrontation between PML-N and PPP after the Supreme Court’s verdict disqualifying Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif from electoral politics).
There we go again…
The seeds of this impending implosion were laid in the very victory of democratic forces on February 18, 2008 when a free and fair elections brought eight-years of General Musharraf’s illegitimate rule to an end. The seeds lay in the split in Pakistan’s civil society and democratic forces that took place at the very moment of their victory. These seeds were:
- Inability of large part of the ‘lawyers movement’ to realize that a credible election just took place despite their call for its boycott. That the basis of this election was none other than the ‘political deal’ hammered out between PPP and General Musharraf that they had vociferously decried. Instead of realizing this new political reality and reaching out to the other side for hammering a bargain, they opted for continuation of their confrontational politics as if they were still battling General Musharraf.
- Inability of the leadership of PPP, particularly President Zardari, and its coalition partners (MQM and ANP) to fully appreciate that ‘the deal’ itself was made possible by the struggle of the lawyers movement and other democratic forces and they also needed to reach out to them and somehow bring them in the fold.
For each to have accommodated the other, it was imperative that the NRO and ‘the deal’ itself should have been accepted on one hand and the judiciary, including Chief Justice Chaudhry restored on the other.
Of such short-sightedness are political blunders made. All those who have supported one position or the other, instead of the compromise, are also guilty. This is a collective failure on our part, not just of the political players.
Pakistan is straight heading for a train wreck and the biggest losers will be the (divided) civil society and democratic forces notwithstanding their heroic 60-year struggle.
There is still time for both sides to pull back. Relevant questions each will ask are following:
- Could President Zardari be isolated from a good portion of its leadership and thus the divide between the democratic forces bridged this way?
- If not, would the lawyers movement (with help from political opponents of Zardari) pull back its threatened ‘march and sit-in’ and offer some kind of a compromise?
- Is there a possibility of ‘cooler heads’ in both camps to prevail on each other and a middle ground found?
- Would General Kayani see in this confronation a chance for him personally to enter the corridors of power illegally and thus destroy the remaining Pakistan?
I would plead that each of us work for Option # 3 and avoid the zero-sum game that the infantile Pakistani establishment and political forces inevitably can not stop from playing.
Shaheryar Azher is the Moderator of ‘The Forum’, where this commentary was first shared.
In the wake of the court order, the confrontation between Zardari and Sharif is likely to increase distraction from the nation’s ailing economy, energy crisis and escalating insurgency of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. It seems that Pakistan’s political elite lack any vision to see beyond their noses. Last year, Sharif was so consumed by his desire for revenge against President Musharraf that he joined forces with Zardari to oust him. Zardari took Sharif along for the ride when it suited him. Musharraf’s presence as president stood in the way of absolute power for Zardari. However, the departure of Musharraf ensured that Zardari would now turn his attention to destroy PML(N) and Sharif brothers to consolidate his own power. Even Zardari’s hand-picked prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani is reportedly frustrated with his autocratic and divisive style. The sad truth is that if Zardari and Sharif had their roles reversed, the results would not have been any different. Their attitudes and actions are very short-sighted and reinforce those who believe Pakistan’s politicians are too selfish, incompetent and corrupt to govern the country for the benefit of its people. Unfortunately, the people of Pakistan and the region are in for a continued rough ride for the foreseeable future. I do hope, however, that the people of Pakistan are sufficiently resilient to withstand the ongoing crises and emerge stronger as a nation.
For more, please read: http://www.riazhaq.com/2009/02/zardari-government- survives-turbulent.html
Ebrahim Sahib the answer to your question you will find in my last post on page 2.This is so unfortunate but true.
So where is the Pakistaniat Poll on how well Pakistan will be after Musharraf. Chooron ko kiya khabar democracy kiya. Tum logon ney chooron ko chuna, ab bhugto.
Geo Cartoon On Current Political Situation…MUST WATCH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byCN72T-Ffo
Interesting read.
But I am not sure that its just the divisions in teh democratic forces that are to blame. These happen everywhere. Look at US politics right now. But why does everything in Paksitan have to blow up all the time. There are political differences everywhere, but we turn everything into a life and death battle
It is ironic we got rid of bloody military dictator and got civilian dictator.Democracy has to be earned,it does not work when gifted by uncle sam through NRO.
Independent judiciary is essential for lasting democracy.
I am not a fan of right wing political parties but was disappointed when PPP nominated non elected Zardari as their leader. He backed out of all his promises to restore the deposed judges.
Now NS has drawn a line in the sand.He has my support in his effort to restore the judiciary
Sir Pervez musharraf….Please Come Back!!! PAKISTAN NEEDS YOU!!!!
Agree with Watan Aziz, that remark was ridiculous and OTT!
Welcome to democracy Pakistani style. This is what we asked for and we got it.
Musical chairs of the 90s are back, as soon as Musharraf was gone, divisions were obvious, who cares about Pakistan right? Everyone was united for Mush but for Pakistan - no one. Hypocrites.