Pakistan Verdict.

On reading the poll verdict in Pakistan, it shows that its people have cleverly NOT given a clear mandate to any one party to usher in democratic rule for their country, lest it become autocratic. In my view, they want the parties not only to rule and behave democratically, but also to breathe democracy in future. They have emphatically voiced their opinion against religious fundamentalism, and military authoritarianism. They expect religion, and military to perform their roles in the areas meant for them and NOT mix with governance of the country.

After the elections, it is a practice of every party to pat their backs, and draw their own biased lessons. They shut their eyes to realities, and flounder in governance thereafter only to be defeated at the next hustings.

As per newspaper reports, The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) with 87 seats, The Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) with 66 seats, Pakistan Muslim League -Q (PML-Q) with 38, and the other smaller parties, the rest out of 272 seats. Some call it a hung verdict, but the trend is clear.

The PPP, though in majority, have to seek the help and co-operation of PML-N, to run the government as coalition. It is too early to predict its performance. But, both the parties have to exhibit maturity, and solve many issues with caution and wisdom for the betterment of that country. It would be in their interest to tread on a friendly path in every walk of life.

The Benazir Bhutto sympathy wave though not effective, has given that party a lead in the seats. Nawaz sheriff, keeping aside his past, did exhibit sincerity in espousing the major issues, like reinstatement of the judiciary, and reversing the constitutional amendments ushered illegally by Musharraf. Both the parties appear to take the path of vengeance against Musharraf. That remains to be seen.

Credit must be given to Musharraf for conducting the elections without violence, and fairly as promised by him. Because of this act, the other parties got the seats they have now. The Result, though a setback for him, Musharraf is indirectly sounding a pardonable approach to be taken toward him, probably with the help of U.S. Administration.

Do the Pakistani people want that? It appears so, for the party he backed did get some seats. Should he be pardoned? It would be better he steps down. Leaders may be ruthless, but people are more sympathetic.

The role played by U.S. Observers during the elections would become debatable in due course, although they conducted themselves with dignity, and have not influenced the voters. The question that could be raised is - Would the U.S.Government allow outsiders as Poll observers during their ensuing Presidential elections? It is a changing world, and new demands are being raised. Thanks to the internet, Awareness on issues is growing.

The media in India did cover all the events, as the verdict is equally important to the bilateral relations between the heads of both the governments. All these years, since partition, there was belligerent attitude adopted by the Pakistani leaders. The country did not economically prosper, even though it was an ally of the U.S. It is a puzzle.

Many in India are happy about the democratic thinking of Pakistani people, and their resilience to withstand dictatorship rule for several years. It is time for the Pakistanis living abroad to pass on their experiences to their fellow citizens back home what it is like living in a democratic ruled country.

The country now appears to have just come out of the pit of turmoil, and would certainly look towards making it a nice place to live, free from terrorists, and free from danger.