Surprising as it may seem, Pakistan, for the first time, after more than 65 years of its independence has just experienced a successful transition from one civilian Government to another. The former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is again set to occupy the top post for his third term after his Party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as expected, won a clear mandate. Recall, Sharif was ousted in a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999.
Significantly, even as the baton passes from Asif Zardari’s (slain ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto husband) PPP-led Government which completed its full term; this time around high hopes rest on Nawaz Sharif to take Pakistan out of the doldrums.
But, given the multiple issues that the country is reeling under, undeniably an uphill task awaits the new Government. Given that the people defied threats and violence perpetrated by the Pakistani Taliban, and showed their optimism and hopes for a change through the ballot is indeed an achievement.
In the wake of the elections, Nawaz Sharif made all the right noises, from expressing will to fight domestic challenges and the internal security demons, to correcting the imbalance between the military and civilian authority, and more importantly, to normalisation of relations with India. He even alluded to his desire to visit India soon. But, campaign speeches are often found ephemeral, and the real picture will emerge only once Nawaz Sharif officially adorns the Prime Minister’s chair.
Besides domestic priorities like giving electricity to the people and building a sound economy for Pakistan, the issue of security is paramount. That people came out in huge numbers to vote despite rampant violence and threats from the Taliban, is a strong message, but the regressive influence of jehadi groups is wreath large over Pakistan. To fight them, the civilian authorities would have to work in tandem with the men in uniform.
Moreover, relations with the US in the coming days will be a prominent dish in the menu. Almost all Parties have used anti-Americanism as a campaign plank and lashed out at drone strikes inside Pakistani territory. But, given the US drawdown in Afghanistan and the critical role that Islamabad has to play in bringing the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table, the new Government needs to play a role that would lend stability to Afghanistan’s transition, in the midst of Pakistan’s own transition.
The Indian Government has welcomed the democratic transition in Pakistan and has heartily congratulated Nawaz Sharif’s clear mandate. But, a civilian Government, alone is not the antidote to India’s problems with Pakistan. The Mumbai attacks took place during civilian rule, and the breeding of anti-India groups has never taken a backseat.
The two countries saw some grounds covered in trade relations and people-to-people contacts, but the recent ceasefire violation on the LoC, the barbaric beheading of an Indian soldier and the killings of two prisoners in each other’s jails have taken a toll on the relationship.
Notably, the clear mandate won by Sharif has raised hopes for a strong civilian Government and the menace of internal terrorism that Pakistan’s Army is fighting gives some reason for a change of strategy, aiming its guns away from Indian borders.
Nonetheless, a change of strategy cannot be taken for a change of heart. And, even as Nawaz Sharif made a clear assertion that the Prime Minister of Pakistan is the boss, and not the Army, it will be naïve on anyone’s part to wish away the influence of the Generals on the country’s polity.
Sharif has often reiterated that his last stint as Prime Minister saw the best of civilian rule in Pakistan, and witnessed real hopes for an India-Pakistan rapprochement before General Musharaff ruined the party with the Kargil misadventure and the coup. But, he should refrain from remembering his earlier stint in the late 90s as a golden era.
Clearly, what Pakistan needs is a re-assessment of its deep wounds, and the many new threats and challenges that is gripping the country at present.
Though no silver bullet exist, a new relationship between the Prime Minister’s Office and the Pakistani Army would go a long way towards leading the country to a new direction in its democratic journey that has, only been half-baked, tainted with intermittent military takeovers.
In sum, whether or not Nawaz Sharif’s new innings will be a winner for India-Pakistan ties is an important question, but more significant is: Will his new stint at the top post be a winner for Pakistan? A Pakistan that finds its feet, and embarks on the road to comprehensive progress and democracy, will be good for itself and for the region as a whole.
(Monish Tourangbam is an Associate Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi)
Courtesy : The Shillong Times, May 14, 2013
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