Pakistan on the edge

Pakistan’s two latest bomb blasts took place in the vicinity of the military headquarter in Rawalpindi must have sent a chill down General Musharraf’s spine — perhaps hinting that not only political turmoil, but also physical threats, are drawing nearer with time. Even though Pakistan has been no stranger to sporadic acts of terrorism, especially in the wake of the Red Mosque siege and operation, the attack in what is a ‘military zone’ surrounding the powerful GHQ is no small matter.

For General Musharraf in particular and the ruling party in general, the mix of ‘place and time’ of the attack could hardly have been more inopportune. The post-Lal Masjid restlessness had barely died down that exiled premiers started sending one shockwave after another — one with regard to the notorious deal with the government, the other following the Supreme Court order rubbishing a previous deal with Musharraf…

Though security breakdown and acts of terrorism are despicable elements at any time, they tend to have the worst effect in times like the present, when political uncertainty shrouds the road to a critical general election. The government will lose precious points owing to no short-term mistake of its own.

Hard-line elements bent upon bringing the centre to its knees are a reality in modern-day Pakistan with which all vying for power will have to contend. The coming together on this issue of government, opposition and political opponents alike will send a message of political maturity to the masses as they gear up for the exercise of the vote, their most prized privilege in a land where it’s been denied in fairness for far too long.