A Way Forward for Pakistan

Things in Pakistan can't get a lot worse without a total collapse of government and civil society. However, such a collapse is dangerously close following the murder of Benazir Bhutto. There is a way out, a way forward even, if President Musharraf and the leaders of the moderate, secular opposition can put the good of the country ahead of all else.

First and foremost, the regime of Mr. Musharraf must acknowledge that the elections scheduled for January 8 will not represent the will of the people because of Mrs. Bhutto's death. That said, elections for parliament must go forward as soon as possible, or Mr. Musharraf runs the risk of appearing a liar and a fraud about democracy. The people of Pakistan have to have a vote soon, but it must be a meaningful vote.

The reports say that Bilawal, Mrs. Bhutto's 19-year-old son is now head of the Pakistan People's Party with support from his dad ( a rather crooked businessman). While many say Bilawal is too young to lead, this journal suspects he could be a key participant from here on. Alexander the Great and Octavian Caesar were quite something at 19. England's Henry V ran the kingdom long before he came to the throne at 26. Cardinal Richelieu was a bishop at 22, and he invented modern France. Young Bilawal is not necessarily of the same fabric, but 19 is a good age to lead – when a man doesn't know things are impossible.

For now, though, Mr. Musharraf holds the reins, but few accept his legitimacy. This is the fundamental issue. He must now transfer power and legitimacy to an executive committee of respected Pakistanis to make sure the elections, which inevitably must be postponed, are fair and represent the will of the 160 million human beings who call themselves Pakistanis.

This executive advisory committee must include young Bilawal, Imran Khan (former international cricket player and reforming politician -- and frankly, this journal's hero), Nawaz Sharif (the second most important opposition leader after Mrs. Bhutto). Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the former chief justice removed from his post under the state of emergency, should probably be chairman of this committee. While Mr. Musharraf shouldn't be a member, army chief of staff Ashfaq Kayani can look after the military's interests.

If these men can put Pakistan's interests ahead of their personal concerns, the nation can still rally. It isn't too late. However, the challenge is great, and the jihadis are waiting in the wings. Who is prepared to take a risk for 160 million decent Pakistanis? Our brothers and sisters are waiting.

© Copyright 2007 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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