Pakistan is trying very hard to move on from its turbulent past - and present. But it can't do so before dealing with the rule of former President and strongman Pervez Musharraf.
His trial has been mocked by some, since the military still retains a very powerful influence over the government. But at stake are the credibility of a country buffeted by terrorism and the specter of ever widening corruption at both the economic and political level.
Musharraf is on trial, among other things, for not having provided sufficient security during Benazir Bhutto's campaign, which resulted in a fatal attack on the candidate.
But the trial is really more an attempt at sending a message to the military. Because in Pakistan, the specter of army rule, which has been a reality for a large part of the country's history, is always present.
To prevent a military coup, a thing all too easy in the past, the signal must be strong. Sending one of the generals, and coup leader, to jail, could be one just one such signal.
But Pakistan's government has to bow to the military's own power. It is the military which still dictates policy, especially when it comes to foreign affairs and defence. And that is because that's where the bulk of the US aid program money lands. The Defence and MIlitary hold the key to the US bonanza. That is also why the security services have waged a decades long covert war against the military.
If one wants to find the blame of the terrorist presence in Pakistan, one needs to look no further than the trail of money left by US aid programmes. The more money is thrown at Pakistani's military, a tradition that began with general Zia ul Haq, the more the security services foster and protect terrorists in Pakistan. The population too, is divided. But very few miss the fact that US involvement is at the very heart of Pakistan's own terrorist woes, and political corruption. Even if the military coddles its own terrorists, it makes a big show of being contrary to the Taliban.
Another charge in the indictment of Musharraf - and one that should stick - is that of treason. He is accused of having detained senior judges, and suspend the Constitution. All of these measures cannot be denied. Musharraf was guilty of one of the worst power grabs in history.
But the trial might do more bad than good. And the reason is that corruption and bureaucracy will take the wind out of the trial's sails.
Already there is talk that Musharraf will be allowed to leave Pakistan for medical reasons. Furthermore, the trial does smell too much of political revenge and showmanship, due to its timing and less that rigorous procedures. It is obviously something the current president is vigorously pursuing because he knows how popular the move is. But the problem is that the evidence might not stick or not be there at all, turning the trial into a farce. What would remain then, is the mockery of a judicial process. Prepare a trial with great pomp and vigor, only to see it falter and peter out for 'judicial' reasons. You gain the political respect and election boost you need, then drop everything and move on.
But the failure to hold Musharraf accountable for his 'reign' and his obvious totalitarian aspirations, could send a signal that Pakistan is far from moving in the right direction.
Op-Ed
Source : IBTIMES/ 1.23.14
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