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A response from the Pakistan People’s Party

Sherry Rehman, Central Information Secretary, Pakistan People’s Party, writes:

This is regarding the editorial ‘Undermining democracy’ (September 5, 2007). The editorial sheds light on the political crisis in Pakistan and Ms. Benazir Bhutto’s ongoing negotiations with the government in the backdrop of the crisis. Your paper wrongly implies that the Pakistan People’s Party has made an undemocratic move by entering into negotiations with General Musharraf.

The negotiations between the PPP and General Musharraf have been the subject matter of a great deal of discussions across the world because of the strategic position of Pakistan in the current global scenario. Unfortunately, not all these discussions reflect an understanding of the dynamics of the PPP’s talks with the government.

Pakistan is standing at a crucial juncture today. After being victims of terrorism (including state-sponsored terrorism), continued violence, inefficient governance and a non-representative and unjust political and economic system the Pakistani nation’s demand for a democratic order is more intense today than it ever was.

Given General Musharraf’s weak position, it is certainly a politically tempting option to challenge the government on the streets and seek its ouster. However, at this sensitive moment in Pakistan’s history, any act of confrontation carries with it the danger of inviting martial law or a state of emergency, where all actors stand to lose in a zero-sum game where innocent civilians and the stability of the country will be the worst victims. The Pakistan People’s Party, being the largest political party of the country with massive public support at the grassroots level, has, as a first option, chosen the path of responsible leadership through negotiations rather than adopt a course that will surely bathe the streets in blood.

The PPP’s supporters do not see this as a compromise with democracy. A compromise would have spurred the PPP to accept General Musharraf in uniform and a surety in return, for a confirmed Prime Minister post for Ms. Bhutto. If you go over the details of the dialogue, it is quite clear that the PPP Chairperson has the same set of demands today, as she has always had, that is, free and fair election, a civilian President, balance between the vital organs of the state, removal of unjust clauses in the constitution and a balance of power between the Presidency and Parliament.

Ms. Bhutto is neither seeking the Army’s patronage nor is she looking for shortcuts. Her negotiations with the government seek to pave the way for a democratic system where the problems of the average Pakistani can be solved on a local, civic and national level.

Please bear in mind that only a democratic system will ensure a stable and peaceful Pakistan, and dialogue is the first rule of democracy.

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