Regime’s survival

Regime’s survival

Awami Awaz

THE present political situation is not acceptable. Groups with vested interests and imperialist forces are amplifying the uncertainty that has prevailed in the country. This is part of the recurring cycle of the last 60 years in which democratic governments have not been allowed to function. Once again there has been an attempt to raise perceptions of ineptitude and the incapability of the government. The real antagonism lies between the forces of democracy and dictatorship. Undemocratic forces are dominating the system of the country and are not allowing the democratic government to flourish.

It is regrettable that the undemocratic forces have joined hands with each other and are engaged in weakening the democratic process, paving the way for dictatorship.

Here democratic forces should come forward and play their part. A hue and cry has been raised in the short span of three months of the present government. It is strange that judgment is being passed on these three months in office as if the mandate was for only three months. Lapses in implementation of the ‘100 days plan’ are being perceived as a total failure of the government, notwithstanding the fact that the government has given a plan for improving its performance. The need of the hour is that the people’s mandate should be respected and this government and the democratic process should be allowed to work. — (July 12)

Bhutto’s murder

Sindh

FOREIGN Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s visit to the UN headquarters has resulted in an announcement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s office that a broad understanding has been reached between the UN and the Pakistan government on the nature of the proposed commission [that will probe Benazir Bhutto’s murder], the composition of the commission, unhindered access to all sources of relevant information, and the commission’s impartiality and independence.

People are raising questions about the death of their leader which has been shrouded in mystery. They want the culprits to be tried and the hands behind this conspiracy to be exposed. This is the demand not only of the PPP but also the people of all four provinces.

The PPP is in power and there should be no hurdles in conducting an impartial investigation. There might be some elements that do not want such an investigation but while the PPP is in power these quarters should not be in a position to influence the investigation. The other coalition partners are also supporting this move, which has further strengthened the position of the government. The UN commission to investigate this murder case is a welcome development and it is now incumbent on the government to provide facilities to the investigators. — (July 13)

— Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.