Pakistan now needs to handle its fallout
It is not the holding of elections but the strength of democratic institutions that ultimately determines the future of democracy. The recent judgment of the Pakistan supreme court, which struck down the controversial 2007 national reconciliation ordinance (NRO), proves that the country has passed this crucial test. The supreme court ruling goes against no less than the holder of the highest office in Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari.
Together with him, around 8,000 lesser mortals will no longer have the shield of the amnesty granted by the NRO in graft charges against them. It is ironic that the strengthening of one democratic institution in Pakistan should take place simultaneously with the weakening of another. The president is granted legal immunity in Pakistan.
Technically, the judgment does not unseat Zardari. But with the reinstatement of the corruption cases, he will find it increasingly difficult to hold on to office, notwithstanding all the compromises he is willing to make. He has assured his political rival of his intention to give up discretionary powers and has tried to placate the all-powerful army by changing his stance on India and letting go of his control over nuclear weaponry. The supreme court has followed the due process of law. Pakistan’s civilian leadership should show some maturity in handling its fallout, no matter how messy.
The Telegraph, Kolkata, Dec 18