03-17-2007, 07:53 AM
Two significant developments are taking place within Pakistan at present. With the removal of the Chief Justice of Pakistan by the Government on charges of misconduct, the Civil Society including the democratic forces has launched an agitation against the present military government. It is not clear who is the moving force behind this agitation, which is significantly led by the lawyers. It can be a US sponsored affair to oust the present government leading to its replacement by another government, which according to media reports is expected to be led by a banker as President and by the current Deputy Army Chief as the Commander in Chief of the all powerful armed forces. Since the current agitation has received support from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and from other political outfits, US and Western desire for a restoration of democracy cannot be ruled out as a likely cause for the present agitation, which is assuming a nationwide dimension as the days are passing.
The other development is the Islamic militantsâ new front: Pakistan. In recent weeks, the Islamic suicide bombers who were so far operating against the US and NATO forces within Afghanistan, operating from their safe bases within Pakistan have turned on Pakistan itself, carrying out six attacks and killing 35 people. Are these attacks isolated incidents of fanatic wreath, or is it some widespread coordinated effort to intimidate the State itself, only time will tell.
However, both these developments may have significant effect on India and the region and needs to be carefully watched and acted upon. It is in the greater interest of India and the whole of South Asia that Pakistan remains stable. That is the best guarantee to prevent the Extremists from taki8ng over Pakistan and endangering the security of the entire region.
The other development is the Islamic militantsâ new front: Pakistan. In recent weeks, the Islamic suicide bombers who were so far operating against the US and NATO forces within Afghanistan, operating from their safe bases within Pakistan have turned on Pakistan itself, carrying out six attacks and killing 35 people. Are these attacks isolated incidents of fanatic wreath, or is it some widespread coordinated effort to intimidate the State itself, only time will tell.
However, both these developments may have significant effect on India and the region and needs to be carefully watched and acted upon. It is in the greater interest of India and the whole of South Asia that Pakistan remains stable. That is the best guarantee to prevent the Extremists from taki8ng over Pakistan and endangering the security of the entire region.