Pakistanis Losing Patience

They cite a sky-rocketing increase in the prices of essential commodities coupled with rise in oil prices, and a failure to reinstate the country’s deposed judges.

Others say the previous military regime led by beleaguered President Pervez Musharraf has left the country in tatter which would need more time to put it back on track.

IslamOnline.net interviewed several Pakistanis of different backgrounds to assess the performance of the government so far.

Saleem Ahmed Hassan Shigri, a waiter

"We were expecting some quick steps aimed at providing at least a little relief to people like us whose lives have become miserable due to backbreaking inflation.

But instead of providing some relief, the new government has put the last straw at the camel’s back. I remember the promises they made during their election campaigns. It seems as if they have forgotten everything.

The new government has increased the oil prices twice during the last 15 days. This increase has affected every sector of daily life.

Just take the example of India, where the government has reduced the petroleum prices. Is Pakistan something special, where prices have been increased while in India they have reduced?

Majid Hussein, an insurance agent

There is no change in the state of affairs. Everything is almost the same as it was during Musharraf regime. Yes, there is one change, which I admit, and that is the change of faces. Earlier, Shaukat Aziz [former prime minister] was dancing on the fingers of Musharraf and now [incumbent prime minister Yousaf Raza] Gilani is playing the same role.

I want to ask [Asif] Zardari what is the change he has brought in the state of Affairs? All the cronies of Musharraf remain at their seats. How ironic that Musharraf's hand-picked attorney general [Malik Qayyum], who is the main player behind the sacking of independent judges is still there and creating hurdles for their restoration.

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) workers and leaders used to chant "Go Musharraf Go" before elections, but as soon as they assumed power they took a 180-degree turn proving that they had been opposing Musharraf just because he did not give them a chare in the government.

Now they are in power, they have forgotten all the promises including the restoration of the judiciary.

Zar Nageen, a local journalist and writer

Two parallel governments are being run in the country. One government is run by President Musharraf, who still has too much powers, while the other government, which is relatively weak, is being run by the coalition government.

The coalition government has to do something about that promptly and seriously.

Currently, the situation is that the election commission, which is still loyal to President Musharraf, has postponed the by-elections without even informing the elected prime minister.

One can understand the state of affairs in Pakistan nowadays by this incident.

This is not the only case. There are many examples whereby the elected chief minister passes one order, whereas the governor appointed by the president starts working against that order.

The bureaucracy and other government employees have no idea as to who should they follow?

Unfortunately, the elected government doesn’t enjoy the backing of an independent judiciary. If there had been an independent judiciary, the democratic government would have had an edge.

However, still the democratic government enjoys the backing of the nation, therefore, it should not be hesitant to restore the deposed judges. They (judges) will strengthen the democratic government against dictatorship.

Uzma Ali, a social worker

With every passing day, the coalition government is loosing its credibility because it has not shown any progress vis-à-vis its promises.

In my opinion, the government has to get rid of the present uncertainty, which can be done by restoring the deposed judges as soon as possible.

Mr Zardari must comprehend this fact that whether he likes or not, a majority of the Pakistani people want the deposed judges back to the courts because they have sacrificed for the rule of law and constitution.

This has become the most important issue for the people of Pakistan at present.

And the dilly-delaying tactics on the part of the coalition government has created uncertainty in society.

Everyone is confused as to what will happen tomorrow. Industrialists, investors, businessmen, all are in wait and see position, which has disturbed the normal course of life.

If this issue is resolved, and this uncertainty is eliminated, the current crisis-like situation will come on track gradually.

Manzar Hussein, an assistant manager

The government has engaged itself in the judges issue unnecessarily. It should resolve that as soon as possible so that it can pay heed to the issues of a common man.

I don’t know what and where is the hurdle? But what I know is that the ongoing uncertain situation has turned me and many people like me anxious.

Prices of milk, flour, petroleum, rice, and other essential commodities are being increased on a daily basis.

No one has the time to pay attention towards that as the entire government machinery seems to be busy in the judiciary issue.

I understand, the prices of essential commodities will not be reduce due to reinstatement of the deposed judges, but at least there will be a glimmer of hope for the rule of law.

But keeping the current conditions in view, there is no ray of hope because the government doesn’t seem to be serious to resolve the judicial crisis in the near future.

Saeed Ali, owner of a small shop  

In my opinion, the government is treading carefully. I think it is the right strategy not to confront any individual or institution unnecessarily.

I still believe that the judiciary crisis will be resolved soon. I don’t agree with those who say the new government has done nothing to provide relief to the common people.

I will give example of my area. Till last month, we had to brave power loads-shedding to the tune of 8 to 10 hours a day, but now the load-shedding duration has reduced to two to three hours.

We should keep this in mind that this is a political government, and the politicians have to do something to provide relief to their voters because they have to face them in next elections.

Therefore, we should give the new government some time. They have been given a damaged Pakistan. It will take time to heal its chronic wounds.