Dear readers, please accept my apologies for my short absence. I am back and you will get to read latest and update analysis regularly, once again.
So much has been going on in the country, but for the time being, my focus remains the same. Ordinary people in Pakistan are suffering, and there is no relief for them in sight. Even though I oppose the Supreme Court getting involved in daily governing matters in Pakistan, I can’t help but wonder that if the current (or future for that matter) governments are unable to deliver, the only way out for masses is to approach the Supreme Court for making life bearable in the country. For example, please look at the issue of gasoline tax. Islamabad has been forced to tax the petroleum products in the country to generate the much needed revenue, but the Supreme Court has stepped in and stopped the government from taxing petroleum products. As a result, Pakistanis will continue to get petrol and diesel at a rate that the government cannot afford. So, this presets a terrible dilemma for the government of Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani because if the government confronts the Supreme Court, millions of people across Pakistan will come out on the streets to support the ban by the court. If the government does not tax and collect the much needed revenue, Islamabad risks losing foreign aid that is linked to better tax collection in the country. Let’s see how government deals with this awful situation.
For the record, I oppose legislation from the bench (using an American term) because the decision to impose new tax was debated and approved by the National Assembly, an independent body directly elected by the people of Pakistan.
Also, Pakistan Muslim League, commonly known as Q League is falling apart. Originally put together by Musharraf when he was the Army Chief, the party is headed for its logical end. Those who joined Musharraf’s government needed a political platform and Q League was born. Now that Musharraf is gone, it is only natural that Q League would come to an end as a party. However, there is a lesson in this – never compromise on principals or you would be kicked out when the time is right!
Here are some of the headlines from today’s’ papers in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s sacrifices widely recognised: Miliband
Sarkozy will visit Pakistan by year end
Two drone attacks kill dozens in Waziristan
Security forces wind up operation in Swat, Buner
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