An Unending Crisis in Pakistan

Pakistan is engaged in another existential battle. Thousands of activists—both lawyers and political workers — have been rounded up as part of a crackdown on anti-government protests rocking the country.

The nation-wide long march that started on Thursday was to end in Islamabad in a sit-in in front of parliament to demand the reinstatement of the judges deposed by former President Musharraf in November 2007.

Ironically enough, in cracking down on opposition and the media, Pakistan’s current leaders are emulating the very policies and actions of the regime they had replaced in landmark elections last year. Information Minister Sherry Rehman, considered very close to President Zardari, has reportedly resigned protesting the curbs on a leading television network. Although her resignation is yet to be accepted by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani, it signals growing isolation of the president in his own party.

Talk of a possible reconciliation between the government and opposition led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appears remote. Meanwhile a grim looking Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani met PM Gillani who is under growing pressure to assert himself. A similar meeting with Zardari on Thursday did not materialise.

Pakistan’s political situation has become a matter of international consternation. The United States and other Western allies are pressing for reconciliation. The US envoy in Islamabad has been busy meeting both sides of the divide. The US has stressed that Pakistan’s stability is a crucial factor that would impact the war in Afghanistan. Its concern about the current situation has been addressed by Admiral Mike Mullen who has revealed that General Kayani although unwilling to intervene is extremely worried about the current situation. Numerous extremist groups already testing the patience and resolve of the security forces could exploit the situation.

While the government spokesman has promised a solution to the crisis within the next 48 hours, it remains to be seen how far Zardari is willing to concede to the demand of the restoration of the deposed chief justice. There are rumours that the government is mulling a short-term reinstatement of the deposed Chief Justice. What remains to be seen is if the lawyers’ movement and opposition is willing to accept that. The Sharifs not only want the return of the deposed judges, they are also pushing for the removal of the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance that allowed the return of the late Benazir Bhutto and Zardari. The next two days could be crucial. The army might press the PM to take the initiative and resolve the issue in larger national interest, even if it means confronting the presidency.