Pakistan Approaches Boiling Point

[chlamor]

     Apr 2, 2005

Pakistan approaches boiling point
By Syed Saleem Shahzad and Masood Anwar

KARACHI - On the face of it, the post-September 11 era sees Pakistan re-established in the world community, nurturing friendly relations with India, and enjoying political stability in the shape of President General Pervez Musharraf's grip on power, with the economy steady.

Appearances can be deceptive, though: Pakistan's economic development is "asset inflation" which could burst like a bubble, while serious fissures exist on the socio-political front.

A very powerful "Million March" in Karachi recently, organized by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a coalition of six religious-political parties that heads the opposition in the country, was the first punch, and yielded instant results. Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz abruptly caved in to a key MMA demand that a person's religion be included in his or her passport.

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In addition to the problems outlined above, Musharraf faces a potential killer blow in the economy. Despite the government's presentation of rosy figures, many feel this is a game of smoke and mirrors.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GD02Df03.html

[bemildred]

1. Thanks for the link.

I've been waiting for Pakistan to blow for some time.
The Balochi don't seem happy either.

[psychopomp]

2. For the sake of the people of Pakistan and of the region

I hope they can successfully transition to a pluralistic representative government of some shape or other soon...Musharraf cannot keep the lid on the various movements afoot in the country for much longer.