Sir: President Zardari has said that the current political tension caused by the Supreme Court verdict disqualifying the Sharif brothers will not affect the war on terror. However, the President must also realise that the sentiment on the street, right or wrong, is against the war on terror, and that the government has failed miserably in making the common Pakistan understand the threat the terrorists pose to Pakistan and that it is indeed “our” war. The best way to convince the people would have been to achieve political consensus on this issue, which has undeniably been affected by the internal political wrangling in Pakistan. Consider that in every speech and rally, the Sharif brothers are accusing the government of having “sold off Pakistan’s sovereignty” while talking about the war on terror. While they are obviously saying these things to increase their political capital, had there been political stability, this would not have been the case. Political stability in Pakistan is undoubtedly tied to success in the war on terror, as without a united front against the terrorists, there is no way we will succeed. Therefore, it is difficult to agree with the President’s statement. He and his party, as well as the PMLN and others, should immediately put aside their childish feuds and should instead, at least for the time being, work towards stabilising and securing Pakistan. Once that has been achieved, there will be plenty of time for them to bicker. Given that suicide bombings and kidnappings are happening all over the country, especially in the insurgency-hit areas, the government and the opposition can hardly afford to take their eyes off the ball.
HASSAN DURRANI
Islamabad