Chowrangi

The hopes built after elections of 18th February 2008 are rapidly deflating. For another time in history of Pakistan, elected representatives have disappointed the public. Five months after new Parliament took oath, the coalition is splintered and blame-game is on.

PML-N left federal ministries, demanding restoration of judiciary for their comeback. Sharif Brothers and other leaders of PML-N claim that they have got mandate for restoration of judiciary so they can not stay in government while judges are not restored. However, one wonders if this mandate is for federal level only because PML-N is in no mood to let Punjab government go. PML-N is now out of coalition and has decided to sit on opposition benches, everywhere except Punjab.

Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of PPP who jumped into limelight after assassination of Benazir Bhutto, considers himself as “the statesman”. He incorrectly believes that “his” Peoples’ Party is the majority party in the assemblies. To keep records straight, it was Pakistan Peoples’ Party Parlimantarian (PPPP) who contested in Elections 2008 and Makhdoom Amin Fahim is its chairman. Amin Fahim can bring Zardari’s dream castles to ground any time by calling a session of his party and asking for a vote of confidence. Zardari, in last few weeks, showed that there is no such thing as word-of-honor, agreements are mere pieces of paper and everything is fair in politics.

ANP seems content with its government in NWFP and some representation at federal level. However, they are also not too happy with the way they are treated by PPP, especially the information advisor, Rehman Malik. Surprisingly, Zardari named ANP as one of the coalition partners to oppose restoration of judiciary.

Then there are MQM and JUI-F, one was active partner in previous regime and now enjoys the treasury benches again, while the other continues with its carrot and stick policies for political benefits.

As predicted by local and international observers, ruling coalition was unable to survive after Musharraf’s exit. Current political imbalance has created an air of uncertainty in Pakistan, deeply effecting the economy. In absence of administrative control, cost of living is rising by leaps and bounds, street crimes are increasing and infrastructure is collapsing. With petrol prices increased by ten-fold and electricity prices bound to get doubled, people of Pakistan are already gazing heavenward.

The invisible managers of country are observing all this chaos with serious concern. If our political leadership is not going to show matureness and continue with their infantile pranks, the nation should brace itself for another Military Rule…. continued in Part 2.

Other posts by Kashif Aziz

• Urgently Wanted : Federal Ministers - November 19th, 2008
• GEO TV Transmission blocked in Karachi? - November 17th, 2008
• American meat exporters using fradulent halal certificates - November 14th, 2008
• The case of Khanani and Kalia - November 10th, 2008
• Alcohol Exports Bring $220 Million To Pakistan - November 9th, 2008
• Open Letter of Appreciation to Government of Pakistan - November 5th, 2008
• Earthquake Strikes in Balochistan: More than 250 dead, 20,000 displaced - October 30th, 2008
• Pity the Nation - October 26th, 2008
• Lab Pay Aati Hai Dua .. Ban Kay Tamanna Meri - October 16th, 2008
• Predictions of the Century: The Fate of Sarah Palin, and Asif Ali Zardari and United States of America - October 12th, 2008