Musharraf vendetta shackles Pakistan

Musharraf vendetta shackles Pakistan
By Farhan Bokhari in Islamabad
Published: July 10 2008 03:00 | Last updated: July 10 2008 03:00


Pakistan's uneasy ruling coalition between the party of Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated former prime minister, and that of Nawaz Sharif, her erstwhile rival, is facing mounting criticism for its failure to deal with pressing issues, five months after taking power.

Critics say the alliance is practically ignoring worsening political and economic conditions while it focuses on forcing out Pervez Musharraf, the pro-US president who built up his credentials as Washington's main ally in fighting terrorism.

His removal would avenge the 1999 coup led by Mr Musharraf, then the chief of army staff, when Mr Sharif, then prime minister, was arrested and exiled to Saudi Arabia..
Such political scoresettling is troubling for Pakistan's allies, particularly the US, who are keen to see the government tackle the deteriorating economy and the fast-spreading influence of Islamic extremists. Meeting such objectives is certain to be compromised in a leadership vacuum.

Richard Boucher, the US assistant secretary of state with responsibility for Pakistan, last week warned elected politicians to stop squabbling over the future of the president and instead tackle important challenges.

"Frankly, President Musharraf is not the issue right now. The problem Pakistani people face is the danger of bombings, suicide bombers and rising food prices," he said.
Other US officials go -further, warning that the country is becoming directionless. "The problem is that Pakistan needs some kind of centralised control and authority. The challenges faced by Pakistan are so huge that we need a strong central voice. That central element of leadership appears to be increasingly missing, especially when you have so much infighting," says a Washington official.

Mr Musharraf has found his formerly powerful position severely eroded as with the return to democracy he is no longer appointing ministers and is no longer commanding the military, after giving up his post as army chief late last year.

"Musharraf is completely isolated. He has no ability to make things happen as he was doing before," says one minister from Ms Bhutto's Pakistan People's party.
Meanwhile, the military, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half its 61-year existence as an independent state, is showing some signs of moving towards a more neutral political role. In December, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Mr Musharraf's successor as army chief, ordered all officers serving in civilian positions to return to their units, reversing eight years of -military involvement in civilian affairs.

"The military and President Musharraf should have had a strong say in daily decision-making. They don't have the clout they did before," says a western ambassador in Islamabad. "With the new government showing few signs of becoming active on vital issues, it is almost as if nobody is running Pakistan full-time."

Hasan Askari Rizvi, a respected Pakistani commentator, warns: "There is a certain slide which is taking place and adding to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan."
The leadership vacuum comes at a difficult time. The security situation deteriorated this week after a suicide bomb attack in Islamabad, the capital, killed 19 people while at least 40 were injured in six bomb blasts in Karachi, the southern port city.

"These bombings look like the start of an al-Qaeda-backed campaign to destabilise Pakistan," says a Pakistani intelligence officer in Karachi. "With competing centres of authority between the elected government, president and army chief, we need a clear plan to respond to this situation."

The uncertainty has coincided with worsening economic prospects. This week the rupee fell to its lowest level against the US dollar and is down more than 18 per cent this year. Inflation is about 19 per cent, the highest level in 30 years, while prices of the main daily commodities have risen by 20-30 per cent in the past year. The trade deficit for the year ended June 30 rose more than 50 per cent, to $20.7bn (¤13bn, £10.5bn), said the government. Rising oil prices are an important factor but analysts have criticised the government for its failure to improve economic management.

Shaukat Qadir, a political commentator and former Pakistani general, says: "Unless someone takes charge right now, Pakistan's future will become extremely uncertain."
Pervez Musharraf, president His authority was diluted when he gave up his military position last year and weakened further when politicians loyal to him were defeated in February's elections. His position has been strengthened by discord in the ruling coalition.

Yusuf Raza Gilani, prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani is a stalwart of the ruling Pakistan People's party of ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto. While Mr Gilani is head of the government, his political authority has been thrown into doubt as Asif Zardari, Mrs Bhutto's widower, has emerged as the most powerful PPP leader.

Asif Ali Zardari Widower of Benazir Bhutto, he was elected by her Pakistan People's party as its co-chairman after Ms Bhutto's assassination last December. He has no formal position in the government but the PPP looks to him for leadership. Some analysts believe Mr Zardari could be a future candidate for prime minister.

Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister The leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, the junior partner in the ruling coalition, is focused on seeking a return of judges sacked by Pervez Musharraf and on the president's impeachment. Analysts warn Mr Sharif might leave the coalition over lack of progress on his agenda.

General Ashfaq Kiyani, army chief of staff So far, Gen Kiyani has focused his energies on internal reforms and demonstrating that the military is withdrawing from politics. But analysts warn that Pakistan's worsening conditions could force the military to take charge just as it has done on previous occasions.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008
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