THE deepening political crisis in Pakistan threatens to mar its newly found democracy. The withdrawal of Nawaz Sharif's Muslim League from its coalition with the Pakistan People's Party, because Mr. Sharif thinks Mr. Zardari has reneged on a promise to restore to their positions the judges sacked by former president Pervez Musharraf, is a development that disappoints not only Pakistanis in general but also people who are worried about the growing power of the Taleban and al-Qaeda along the country's western frontier. Indeed, Asif Ali Zardari, who aspires to Pakistan's presidency following the resignation of General Pervez Musharraf, has let it be known that the Taliban are winning the war in Pakistan. That statement, in light of the uncertainties now confronting the country, seems aimed more at gaining political mileage than an exposition of hard realities. It can only make things even harder for the government Zardari's party leads.
What Pakistan needs now is a sure sign that the new government, in the immediate aftermath of the Musharraf resignation, is equipped to handle the very serious problems of terrorism and a sliding economy the country is up against. Pakistan's borders in the west are today a virtual no-go area for its army and other security forces. Such a situation can only be handled through the government proving effectual in running things. But that again is dependent on how serious Zardari and Sharif, having united in their opposition to Musharraf, are about pursuing liberal democratic politics. Pakistan's democratic history has not exactly been edifying, but in the present circumstances a failure to promote pluralism can only intensify the slide. Which is again a powerful argument why both the PPP and the PML(N), together with other democratic forces, must close ranks and come together to give the people of Pakistan a sense of direction. Unfortunately, the swift falling out between Zardari and Sharif rules out such unity, at least for now.
It will be naïve to expect that Pakistan's problems will be tided over soon. But with the nuclear-armed nation getting deeper into a political quagmire, one does not need to be prescient to suggest that forces like the Taliban and other radical elements will gain fresh new ground. The ramifications, both in Pakistan and outside, can only be imagined.