Adil Najam
Not unexpectedly, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz Group) or PML(N) has decided to withdraw from the ruling coalition. Former Prime Minister and PML(N) leader Nawaz Sharif announced the expected breakup to a press conference citing irreconcilable differences on the Judges Restoration issue with the PPP and it’s leader Asid Ali Zardari. The PML(N) had already removed itself from the cabinet on the same issue.
The PML(N) leader also announced former Chief Justice Saeeduzaman Siddiqui as it’s Presidential candidate to oppose Asif Ali Zardari.
The move was not unexpected following the coalitions success in removing Gen Musharraf from the Presidency. The hope now would be that this might lead to a strong and active parliamentary opposition. However, the fear and the likelihood is that greater political bickering and instability will follow leading Pakistan politics into even more political brinksmanship.
I pity the naive lot who think the PML-N is going to now play the role of “strong Opposition”. Pakistanis are simply hapless when it comes to politics and get fooled again and again.
Look for Nawaz and Co to try to break the govt to have general/Senate elections in March 2009.
Military rule is never the solution, especially not in Pakistan, where the generals are not only a part and parcel of the ruling elite but also the ones that really call the shots at all times… politicians, bureaucrats, judges et al. pale in comparison… remember, in Pakistan, “patriotic general” is an oxymoron… simply because a lot of what they do is legal (albeit grossly unfair) does not make them the angels certain sections of the population make them out to be… additionally, a lot of their corruption goes unreported because there are no audits and because whistle blowers like Dr. Aisha Siddiqa are muzzled…
Yet we have people lining up to sing the praises of military rule… its the same sort of people who will dance in the streets when Kayani or whoever succeeds him stages the fifth coup de etat in about ten years’ time…
And together with military rule will come the overt and covert aid of the mullahs… it will never stop even under civilian rule but under military rule it is unfettered…
Where is Atzaz now why he is bursting his throat now?
they all play with the emotions of poor people.
I think this is good news.
First the coalition has served it’s purpose and reached it’s goal of kicking out Musharraf.
Second, we need a strong opposition too.
Third, NS is creating a new political base by consistently being on principle of judiciary independence. Next elections he will be in a stronger position.
Yes perhaps we all are forgetting the attrocities committed by general musharraf on common man and continue to defend the dead horse even when his chapter has closed. It is indeed not like previous old days….times have changed. Those who sit back and view Pakistan from distance should realize this thing soon!
A very strong opposition is necessary for keeping the government on track. I guess this is the thing which goes on in many countries along the globe yet unfortunately people have become allergic to whatever goes around in Pakistan, that’s why they tend to blab about the impeachment of Musharraf……Move ahead and think new!