Explaining what is happening in Pakistan, and why, is never easy. Never has it been more difficult than it is now. Talking earlier today to the National Public Radio show Here and Now, it struck me again how difficult it is to articulate any explanation of Pakistan’s politics – not only to non-Pakistani audiences, but to Pakistani audiences too.
Consider the recent news stream. Suicide bomb blasts by extremists kill another 30 in Lahore in yet another dastardly attack. Gen. Musharraf calls the National Assembly to meet on Monday, March 17. Supposedly Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari come to an agreement on the government formation but it is no more clear today who the next Prime Minister will be than it was before the meeting. They also insist that they will “restore” the judges but speculations remain rife on just which judges and just how “restored.”
Depending on who you speak to, you are told that Gen. Musharraf is playing games with the parliament by trying to call the opposition’s hand before they have decided on the Prime Minister issue. Others tell you that it is the politicians themselves who are playing games not only with the cat and house of Prime Ministerial candidates but also with the judges and the lawyers movement. Meanwhile, the extremists continue their deadly game of murder and mayhem as they did in Lahore.
At the end of the day the real losers are – as they always are – the people of Pakistan. It is they who suffer the instability. It is they who are killed. It is they who languish in uncertainty. The costs of uncertainty are never trivial, but it becomes particularly horrendous with suicide bombers blowing themselves up.
What is most disturbing and truly dangerous is that as Gen. Musharraf keeps fighting for his personal survival and position and as the politicians keep fumbling in their indicisive daze, it is the extremist forces that stand to gain by playing simultaneously on the citizen’s dislike for Gen. Musharraf and distrust for the main political leaders of our time.
No one is clear on who will rule Pakistan tomorrow. But it is clear that uncertainty rules Pakistan today. And that is not good for anyone except the extremists who seek to destabilize the country and breed anarchy and chaos.
Mr. 10% all of a sudden becomes “Mr. Clean” after a Pakistani court has quashed the last of seven corruption cases against Asif Zardari.
Wake up Pakistan. We want no more jokes..
Great site. It gives the world a good view of Pakistan.
I have no idea why do we blame the government every time a blast happens. Let me ask you who were the people protesting when action were taken against extremists. I am quite sure People Of Pakistan motivated by Corrupt Politicians went out there and burn buildings and etc.
Here are some more exclusive pictures of FIA Building Blast.
http://www.pakistanforums.pk/articles/13/1/Bomb-Bl ast-at-FIA-Building-Temple-Road-Lahore/Page1.html
Amazing After the death of BB it took what 3 days? to announce who will be next chairman of PPP. Now what is taking so long to form the Government?
There is a hope Zardari will behave because of the future of his son. Also they have all the money from last time when BB was PM. They declared 3 billions in assets and this is what they declared now how much is in non declare who knows. So looking at all these things I am confident Zardari will work hard to get back lost reputition.
musharraf hanging on is the “most disturbing and dangerous”?
really? the man holds decent elections (especially for a banana republic), gracefully concedes electoral defeat, and convenes a hostile parliament. what more do you want?
i guess zardari will give you what you are looking for.