President’s position is seen re-emerging

Akhtar Jamal

Islamabad—With the passage of time and gradually fading bitter-memories of bitter political rivals, President Pervez Musharraf’s position is seen as slowly re-emerging and regaining strength at home and abroad.

The main stream political parties except PML-N have apparently agreed to reconcile and appear ready to establish working relationship with the President after repeated statements that President Musharraf had genuinely accepted the verdict of the voters and was ready to work with new leadership.

Despite serious reservations of PML-N leadership on April 6 two statements by the party leaders have also suggested a change in previous stubbornness and rigidity. Nawaz Sharif in a TV interview on April 6 made it clear that he had no plans to make against President Musharraf. At the same time another senior most PML-N federal minister, Ishaq Dar was quoted as saying that “had he not been going to the United States he would certainly agree to join President Musharraf’s entourage to China.

A senior most People’s Party leader and federal minister for defence, Choudhary Ahmed Mukhtar was quoted last week as saying that “President is an important asset of the nation” while another important ally of coalition Government Fazlur Rahman has already expressed his readiness to work with the President.

PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zaradari has made no secret of his views that “working relations with the President must continue” in the best national interest. The third and fourth largest parties, PML-Q and MQM are already known to have sympathetic views on President’s “contribution to the nation.”

After frequent pledges to “work together” President Musharraf on his part has now invited ministers from PPP and PML-N to accompany him to an official visit to country’s most trusted friend and the visit may prove to be yet another mile-stone in the promotion of this country’s future role in the region. The visit is seen as another important occasion to improve leadership image at home and abroad.

Political observers note that even worst critics of the President laud his “commando-style quick decision” made during first few hours of 9/11 scenario and his manoeuvrability to counter pressures on nuclear programme. Observers have also noted a sense of realization within the highest office that judiciary issue had not only been misapplied but perhaps also mishandled. This new thinking may pave the way for a compromise to settle the judiciary issue to the satisfaction of all the concerned parties. Informed sources say this is what exactly Mr. Zardari is looking for.

Observers foresee a re-strengthening of Pakistan’s strategic position once internal house is in order and the fears of internal political strife at the highest level is gone. Analysts believe that once a new reconciliation order is restored and all the three pillars began working independently but in close coordination with each other, Pakistan will re-surface as much stronger than before on the regional and international scene.

The new spirit of reconciliation for the sake of “greater national interest” will not only be appreciated at home but it will also earn prestige of this country abroad.

Pakistan Observor