The dance of democracy has begun on the streets of Islamabad. With the international media coverage with its full glare in Pakistan, the people do not need to be prompted. They break out into a jig as soon as a TV camera comes approaching. I have always wondered whether there is a tactical understanding between these people and the camera crew.
Well, the Pakistanis have reason to rejoice. The president/military chief/dictator (whatever you may call him) has finally lost his grip over the administration. Finally, a semblance of democracy has been restored, though doubts have been raised over its stability. In all the hurry, the Pakistanis should avoid being fickle. They should thank Musharraf for everything he has done for the larger interests and the long term benefits of the country. Right from a sagging economy to a corrupt administration, he tried to bring things in order and succeeded to a large extent.
Coming to India, concerns over his exit are being raised behind closed doors in the galleries of power. Though he started as a military dictator, the post 9/11 scenario and the US pressure kept him in check. And he gradually softened towards the end of his rule. He was a person instrumental in maintaining the ceasefire along the line of control (LoC). It’s not a coincidence that his exit has led to the banned militant outfits reopening their offices in the hub of Karachi. Not only that, there are reports of ceasefire violations almost daily along the LoC. This was a thing which had not happened for years since the mutual announcement of the ceasefire. The attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul, where India has a strategic upper hand in the hearts of the Afganistanis much to the chagrin of the power players in Pakistan furthers this case.
All these clues are not coincidental, given the power shift in Pakistan. And these hints will not be missed in Delhi. So here’s the irony... the man responsible for Kargil will be missed in the corridors of power in Delhi...
The times, thy sure are changing...
