New alliance in Pak.

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 4 Eighteen political parties have joined hands to form a grand alliance in Pakistan with the main objective of pressuring the military to return to the barracks and handover power to politicians.

The most significant aspect of the alliance - Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) - is that the three major political parties in the country - the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Mutahidda Quami Movement (MQM) - are part of it.

The alliance rhymes with Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) dating back to the Zia-ul-Haq regime. However, the ARD certainly cannot compared with MRD at least at this juncture. The main reason for lack of enthusiasm among the public about the new alliance may be the `misrule' of the past civilian Governments and the sullen image of politicians.

Nevertheless, the ARD could pose a potential threat to the Musharraf Government if it (ARD) decides to take to the streets against the military. The Army is aware of the implications of the ganging up of old rivals and within hours after the birth of the alliance, a spokesman of the military was at pains to emphasise on the efforts to usher in `genuine democracy' in the country.

In fact, before the formation of the alliance, most of parties were part of Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA). Part of the GDA were parties opposed to the Nawaz Sharif Government, months before it was overthrown by the military.

In reality the ARD is a combination of parties that had come together against Mr. Sharif and the PML. Half-a-dozen smaller parties that were part of the GDA have refused to allow entry of PML into the ARD and have decided to continue to be part of the GDA.

The formation of the alliance was preceded by upheaval in both the GDA as well as in the PML. The rebels in PML have termed the alliance as `opportunistic' and are likely to form their own group.

The president of Pakistan Democratic Front, Mr. Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, has been elected ARD president. With the PML chief, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, behind the bars and the PPP chief, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, in London on a self-exile, the veteran leader was perhaps the best bet for the motley group of parties.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Blair not to visit India now
Next     : Wickramanayake not to impair peace process