- Anil Narendra
People of Pakistan must have felt relieved. The fast-paced developments have taken a break. Looking at the way, the Zardari Government was having confrontation with the Pak Army and the Supreme Court, it appears that anything can happen any time. But all the players have restrained themselves and for the time being a dangerous situation has been averted. It cannot be said that for how long the danger has been averted. But it has been delayed at least up to 24th January, the date for the next Supreme Court hearing. Memogate episode will come up for hearing on 24th January and once again the Government and the Army will be confronting each other. For the time being, it can be said that democracy and people have been the winners in Pakistan. We must appreciate the Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani for putting his point of view with boldly before both the generals and Supreme Court and he has played his cards well. But one thing is certain that the people of Pakistan are not going to tolerate Army rule at any cost. So far as stability in Pakistan is concerned, only Allah knows the answer. Years 2012 and 2013 could prove very important for Pakistan in many ways. The US forces are to withdraw from Afghanistan during this period. The turn of events that are likely to take after this withdrawal will have direct bearing on Pakistan and India. The Chief Justice, Mohammad Iftikhar Chaudhary will be retiring in 2013. The Pak Parliament will complete its five years' term in March 2013. Then the term of Asif Ali Zardari as President of Pakistan will also be completed in September 2012. Three years' extension to Army Chief, General Ashfaq Kayani will also be coming to an end in November 2013. The ISI Chief Ahmad Shuja Pasha will also be completing his tenure in March this year and it is being said that he will not get any extension. Then the month of March in Pakistan is also important, as after three years half of the Senate seats (equivalent to Rajya Sabha) will fall vacant during this month. Political equations in
Senate will also change. The home coming of former President Parvez Musharraf has been delayed. Sometimes there are reports that he is returning home and then we hear that he is not coming. Though general elections in Pakistan are due in March next year, but Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif are in favour of early elections. They see seat of power nearer, if elections are held earlier. On his arrival at the Supreme Court, the Pak Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani clearly said that he fully respect the judiciary, but is unable to reopen corruption cases against President Zardari, as under the Constitution, the President enjoys immunity in such matters. He was replying to a question by the seven-member Jury as to why Court order to write letter to reopen the money laundering case in Switzerland, was not obeyed? Gilani's counsel, Aiteraz Ehsaan said the Court should not pressurize Pakistan Government to write letter to Swiss Government, as it may lead to ridicule. The Swiss Government says that, President has got the immunity under the Vienna Pact. The Court asked, if the Government had ever contacted the Swiss Government in this regard. The Court has allowed Gilani one month's time to file his reply. It may be mentioned that a Court in Switzerland had convicted Pak President Asif Ali Zardari and his late wife and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir of fraud to the tune of millions of dollars in 2003. At that time, Benazir Bhutto was the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Later, both of them appealed against this decision in Switzerland. Then at the request of Pak Government, Switzerland Government dropped the investigation. Thousands of such cases against Benazir Bhutto were closed and that is why she was able to return to Pakistan to contest elections. After a few days, she was assassinated. The Supreme Court declared closing of these matters unconstitutional and the tension between the Government and the Supreme Court is continuing since then. In view of allegations of corruption and mal-administration, Presidency of Zardari is under threat. It cannot be said that for how long he will be able to remain as the head of the State. But, for the time being reprieve has been given.
Senate will also change. The home coming of former President Parvez Musharraf has been delayed. Sometimes there are reports that he is returning home and then we hear that he is not coming. Though general elections in Pakistan are due in March next year, but Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif are in favour of early elections. They see seat of power nearer, if elections are held earlier. On his arrival at the Supreme Court, the Pak Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani clearly said that he fully respect the judiciary, but is unable to reopen corruption cases against President Zardari, as under the Constitution, the President enjoys immunity in such matters. He was replying to a question by the seven-member Jury as to why Court order to write letter to reopen the money laundering case in Switzerland, was not obeyed? Gilani's counsel, Aiteraz Ehsaan said the Court should not pressurize Pakistan Government to write letter to Swiss Government, as it may lead to ridicule. The Swiss Government says that, President has got the immunity under the Vienna Pact. The Court asked, if the Government had ever contacted the Swiss Government in this regard. The Court has allowed Gilani one month's time to file his reply. It may be mentioned that a Court in Switzerland had convicted Pak President Asif Ali Zardari and his late wife and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir of fraud to the tune of millions of dollars in 2003. At that time, Benazir Bhutto was the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Later, both of them appealed against this decision in Switzerland. Then at the request of Pak Government, Switzerland Government dropped the investigation. Thousands of such cases against Benazir Bhutto were closed and that is why she was able to return to Pakistan to contest elections. After a few days, she was assassinated. The Supreme Court declared closing of these matters unconstitutional and the tension between the Government and the Supreme Court is continuing since then. In view of allegations of corruption and mal-administration, Presidency of Zardari is under threat. It cannot be said that for how long he will be able to remain as the head of the State. But, for the time being reprieve has been given.
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