The way forward

THERE was a time when it was almost inconceivable that the PPP and the PML under Nawaz Sharif could one day agree to join forces and be part of the same government. Now that the ‘impossible’ has come to pass, as Thursday’s press briefing by Mr Sharif and Asif Zardari demonstrated, one hopes that the parties will boost each other’s efforts to achieve the goal of true democracy. Strife and bickering will have no place in the next government if Pakistan is to progress towards a better future with peace, equality, civil liberties and socio-economic development as its hallmarks. Both parties have come a long way from the 1990s when they were implacable foes. Time and reflection perhaps made them see the error of their ways, and a common enemy in the person of President Musharraf united them. It is a sign of their maturity that they moved beyond personality politics to agree on an agenda, outlined in the Charter of Democracy, for rescuing the state from political turmoil. And it was heartening to note at the press briefing that both Mr Zardari and Mr Sharif were committed to implementing the charter in ‘letter and spirit’.

Yet, it would be erroneous to assume that it will be smooth-sailing from this point on. Although there seems to be some kind of consensus between Mr Zardari and Mr Sharif on the issue of judicial independence and the restoration of the deposed judges, the devil is in the detail of how the modalities will be worked out. The issue should, hopefully, not become a bone of contention in the assemblies, and be resolved keeping the larger concerns of the nation in mind. This point can be extended to other matters as well in which differences may crop up

— such as the possible impeachment of the president. Obviously, the politics of vendetta in this or other issues should be avoided as far as possible, as it is institutional reform — of the judiciary, the powers of the presidency, etc — and not personal revenge that one is looking for. However, parliament is a sovereign body, and given the fact that the Feb 18 polls are largely viewed as fair, this one will be representative of the aspirations of millions of Pakistanis. Therefore, it would be parliament’s right to decide on potentially contentious issues. What would be unacceptable is any one party resorting to devious stratagems to have its point of view accepted.

Sceptics have questioned the two parties’ ability to pull together until the next elections. But the outlook is not so bleak when one recalls that in 1997, when the PML had won a sweeping victory, both were on the same side of the fence in the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, having undergone the trauma of their governments being arbitrarily sacked at different times by the president. Perhaps they will now realise that the strength of a coalition government lies in its ability to draw upon diverse, sometimes opposite points of view, without letting these upset their progress on a common goal.

Not missing the bus

BETTER late than never. The decision taken by Pakistan and India on Thursday to increase the frequency of the popular Lahore-Delhi bus service to three trips from the existing two a week from each side should be hailed as a welcome renewal of the two governments’ pledge to ease the problems faced by cross-border traffic of passengers. Coming nine years after the service was launched on Mar 16, 1999 — the new schedule will be implemented from Mar 17 — this step points to the political will on both sides to facilitate communication in the interest of good neighbourly relations. The increasing popularity of the bus service on Lahore-Delhi route also prompted the two sides to introduce a stopover in Lahore in the Amritsar-Nankana Sahib service.

When the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee rode the inaugural bus from Delhi to Lahore in March 1999, most viewed the new service more as a symbol of improving bilateral political relations between Islamabad and New Delhi — a unique confidence building measure (CBM). It was hoped that the launch of the service would herald a new era of friendship between the two South Asian nations. The popularity of the service soon far surpassed its symbolic importance and the politicians from both sides of the divide failed to keep pace with demand. The very fact that it took them nine years to add one more bus per week is reflective of the slow movement on the Pakistan-India track. In between, we also saw suspension of the service, along with train traffic, for 18 months after a terror attack on the Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001.

The slow movement on solving bilateral disputes has also prevented the two countries from relaxing visa restrictions. The situation in case of Amritsar-Nankana service is even worse as it is so far being used primarily by Sikh pilgrims visiting their holy places on this side of the divide. The stringent visa policy pursued by the two sides in granting visas has inhibited many would-be travellers, especially tourists. The increase in the bus frequency is welcome. But it should logically be followed by, if it could not be preceded by, the easing of visa restrictions. Also the politicians in Islamabad and Delhi should move faster to normalise their relations which the launch of the bus nine years ago was supposed to facilitate.

Cricket under the hammer

CRICKETERS being sold to the highest bidder like commodities, liquor barons and film stars paying staggering sums for cricket ‘franchises’ churning out a fast-food version of the game, players thinking of ditching their country in favour of a purely commercial enterprise… It isn’t easy putting a finger on it but there is something unseemly about these ‘revolutionary’ developments. Even at the risk of sounding hopelessly dated, it needs to be asked whether what is passing under the banner of the Indian Premier League is good or bad for the game. True, the purists sniffed when one-day cricket was introduced and, later, Kerry Packer’s World Series was dismissed outright as ‘pyjama cricket’ that would never catch on. Both developments, it so happened, transformed the game and so could the IPL Twenty20 league with its bulging money bags — the television rights alone fetched $1.026bn (repeat: billion). Cricket officialdom’s hearty endorsement and the fans’ roaring approval of Twenty20 can’t hurt either. It remains to be seen though if the passion associated with national teams will extend in equal measure to ‘franchises’ — why do fries and slurpees come to mind? — boasting a hotchpotch of players from around the world.

It is a moot point whether cricket really needs any new makeovers, for the line between transformation and disfigurement is thin indeed. The game is already at an advanced stage of development, players in the top international teams are handsomely paid as it is, and cricket is hugely popular in its traditional strongholds. Danger looms of a cricket-drain, if you will, with national sides bleeding talent to the IPL as well as the rebel Indian Cricket League. Consider too the increased possibility of burnout and injuries to players — who, incidentally, complain bitterly of a heavy workload but are willing to jump through hoops to join the IPL bandwagon. There is something distinctly ‘not cricket’ about all this. But then it could be that the game’s core values have changed for ever, for better or worse.

Will Pakistan’s democracy be durable?

AS Pakistan’s victorious political parties focus on forging a durable ruling alliance, European Union policymakers are turning their attention to an equally gruelling task: working out ways of consolidating democracy and ensuring stability in the country.

Developments in Pakistan have dominated the news in Europe for most of the week, with newspapers and broadcasters focusing on both the immediate and long-term fall-out of the vote. Belgium’s national radio interviewed this correspondent early on Tuesday morning for a detailed half-hour analysis of the election results, their impact on the future of the country, prospects for the political survival of President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan.

Europeans’ interest in Pakistan is not surprising. Analysts of all stripes and colours have focused on the country’s geopolitical importance and its pivotal role in the fight against religious extremism and terrorism. NATO’s massive presence in Afghanistan and its struggle against the Taliban has further drawn attention to Pakistan’s links – past and present – with Afghan insurgents.For once, Pakistan is a good news story. And everyone appears to be celebrating. After a year of reading and watching reports of turmoil and tragedy in Pakistan, there’s a palpable sense of relief in Europe at the exciting new direction that could be taken by the country.

While there is also concern that Pakistan could – once again – take the wrong road, for many analysts and officials, the polls provide much-needed proof that given the opportunity, people in Pakistan vote in a sensible and intelligent manner, choosing democracy and moderation over army rule and religious extremism.

As such, the most encouraging feature of the elections from the European point of view is the success of the mainstream secular political parties and the virtual obliteration of Islamists, suspected of close links with the Taliban.

Like their counterparts in the US, officials in the EU, alarmed at the outreach of Pakistan’s religious extremist groups, are hoping that Pakistan’s new rulers can hammer out a more successful strategy for fighting terrorism and creeping Talibanisation than the unsuccessful stop-start attempts made by President Pervez Musharraf.

The tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto last year added to EU fears that Pakistan could fall under the control of extremists, a concern given further traction by the Pakistani leader during his tour of key European capitals in January.

Given their distrust of military leaders – even those who discard their uniform – EU officials are not losing sleep over the fate of the now-weakened president. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that future European strategy towards Pakistan is shaped by the policies of the country’s future leaders, rather than by their personalities.

Pakistan now has “an important opportunity to advance towards national unity and tackle the challenges that lie ahead”, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said in comments made after the polls.

“Europe is committed to building a strong and stable relationship with the people of Pakistan,” Barroso underlined, adding, “We stand ready to work with the Pakistani authorities, political parties, civil society and other stakeholders to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions.”

EU action would also focus on improving the socio-economic conditions of the Pakistani people, Barroso underlined.

The EU’s commitment to Pakistan was illustrated most visibly by the bloc’s decision to deploy an independent Election Observation Mission (EOM), led by European Parliament member Michael Gahler, before and during the polls.

Gahler has described the election as “competitive despite significant problems”, including the lack of a “level playing field” because state agencies favoured the former ruling parties and people lacked confidence in the impartiality of the Election Commission (EC).

Despite the flaws, however, Gahler and Robert Evans, head of the European Parliament delegation to Pakistan, said the polls showed the Pakistani people’s strong desire for democracy and the rule of law.

“In response, we urge political parties to address the challenges,” underlined Evans.

The question being asked in Brussels and other EU capitals is whether given their past failures, the triumphant political parties and their leaders can respond effectively to popular demands for political change – but also for the implementation of successful economic policies and above all for good governance.

The role of the army under its new commander, General Ashfaq Kayani, remains an important question, with EU policymakers insisting that the Pakistani military will – and must – continue to play a key role in fighting extremism and curbing militancy.

But military action against terrorists must go hand-in-hand with political and socio-economic action to develop some of Pakistan’s most deprived regions, including the tribal areas.

Fighting extremism is only part of the battle for Pakistan’s future, however. The country’s new leaders must also zero in on an array of other priorities, including restoration of the independence of the judiciary, removing constraints on the media and ending the harassment of civil rights activists.

Inevitably, the new men – and hopefully women – in power in Islamabad will devote time and energy to forging a new relationship with the US. Ignoring the EU would be a mistake, however. The 27-nation bloc has many instruments in its tool box which could prove useful in Pakistan’s future modernisation drive.

First and foremost, the European Commission has built up years of know-how in reforming the economic, political and social infrastructure of former communist nations of Eastern Europe. Such expertise could come in useful to Pakistan.

European experience in modernising political parties and the EU focus on building strong and stable institutions could also prove invaluable to Pakistan’s future reformers.

European aid to Pakistan has so far focused on health, education and rural development. These sectors will continue to demand attention. But the EU must also be asked to move beyond traditional aid programmes to a broader platform of assistance to a country in desperate need of political, economic and social renewal.

The writer is Dawn’s correspondent in Brussels.

OTHER VOICES - Bangladesh Press

A day that speaks for all languages

Prothom Alo

Spring comes in red. International Mother Language Day calls to mind the memories of the people who shed their blood to protect their language —Bangla against Urdu. We pay deep respects to those who martyred themselves for the mother tongue.

History is not all about the past. History shines the spotlight on the future as well. Ekushey (Feb 21, 1952) martyrs had set the stage for a broader movement for freedom from Pakistan. The Language Movement had deepened the consciousness of secular values that inspired Bengalis to carve out an independent country. The glory of the Language Movement was not limited to Bangladesh. It spread far beyond and Unesco gave it international recognition.

The government is naming villages, museums and public libraries after the martyrs, which is a good gesture and we welcome it. But much of the pledge remains unimplemented. Bangla was not used in all Supreme Court proceedings, but some judges proved that it is possible. In 2006, the Dhaka city mayor issued a directive to write signboards in Bangla. But there are no signs of implementation.

In one article, Justice Habibur Rahman writes that International Mother Language Day speaks for all languages around the world. Bangladesh as a nation must protect the languages of small communities in our midst. Four such languages disappeared; and another 51 are threatened. Those who carry the torch for millions need strength to move forward. We must have real respect for the language heroes; we must uphold the spirit of their sacrifices — with honour. (Feb 21)

Adieu to Castro

Ittefaq

Cuba’s president Fidel Castro is now off stage after half a century in power. The 81-year-old bearded man resigned as president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces for health reasons.

In a Tuesday statement tinged with nostalgia and sadness, he said he was too ill to continue, after an emergency intestinal surgery. But he will work behind the scenes as the first secretary of the ruling Communist Party.

Castro established a firm control over a country which did not see much economic development because of his monomaniacal policy. The result: Cuba is in poverty, in depression. The perennial conflict with the US did more harm than good to Castro’s country.

He did not seem to have cared much, though. Castro, a revolutionary who seized power in 1959, was uncompromising and became an iconic leader for people in Latin America.

He had been and, probably still is, a strongman, a galvanising force, for millions in poor countries to look up to.

Many communist countries lived off the Soviet Union and its collapse brought down ‘dependants’ like wax houses. Cuba, however, is alone — only trying to hold on to the communist ideology — all out of desperation.

Castro left the stage to his brother Raul Castro in a decision that raised controversy. The leader’s departure did not raise hopes for democratic and economic reforms. Shadows of the iron-fisted communist rule will linger and the policy laid out by Castro will remain in play for years to come. (Feb 21)

— Selected and translated by Arun Devnath