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Musharraf’s new silent move towards democratic Pakistan will enhance India-Pak peace process and collaboration
Pakistan is silently moving towards democracy. Musharraf knows that Pakistani people at this time wants peace, economic prosperity and democracy. Musharraf’s physical and political securities are well served in democracy comes into Pakistan in a gradual fashion.
And that is exactly what Pakistan Government is doing silently.
The Pakistani government for the first time acknowledged having participated in political dialogue with the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) chairperson Benazir Bhutto in order to create an atmosphere of national reconciliation, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said Feb. 11. If both sides are able to come to a mutual understanding, there is a possibility that seat-adjustments will be made with the PPPP for the next general elections. Local elections will be held in 2005 with general elections following in 2007.
Brahma Chellany, the Director for Center for Policy Research on Friday, said that the return of genuine democracy in Pakistan could improve relations between two archrivals.
His comments came a day after Pakistan's two top opposition leaders met in exile to fight together for restoration of "real" democracy in their homeland. "If Pakistan were to return to the democratic path and to be governed by a democratic elected prime minister, it will make a hell of a difference in terms of relations with India.
It will open up possibilities of a breakthrough with India. It will help promote regional cooperation and regional trade," he said.
Former Pakistan Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif met in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, where latter has lived since his exile in late 2000.
Bhutto has spent the past five years in self-imposed exile for fear of arrest on corruption charges. Opposition against Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, a key ally in the US led war on terrorism, has fallen into disarray without any strong personality inside Pakistan.
Parliamentary elections are due in 2007. Islamists provide the main opposition to Musharraf, who has co-opted the rump of Sharif's Muslim League to back his government.
Challany said a dialogue between India and Pakistan was important for quick resolution of all issues. "As long as Pakistan is gripped by military, especially one man like we have today, the possibility of any lasting breakthrough in India-Pakistan relations remains quite remote. What we can expect in the current situation is tension remaining under control. We can hope that two neighbours can continue to talk, can keep things in control," he said.
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