There is already a widespread perception that the Lahore High Court verdict sentencing PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to death and its subsequent ratification by a Supreme Court Bench were maneouvered by President and Chief Martial Law administrator Gen Zia-ul-Haq. Bhuttos hanging thus constitutes a judicial murder in the eyes of many. The verdict is widely considered one of the black chapters in the less-than-glorious history of the judiciary of Pakistan. As far as Bhutto is concerned, he already stands vindicated in the eyes of the public, irrespective of whatever opinion is given by the SC. One would have appreciated if the PPP government had made any headway during the last three years in Benazirs murder case of which there are no signs yet.
In his speech at Garhi Khuda Bux, President Zardari has invited the opposition to hold talks with the PPP to resolve the grave economic challenges. Zardaris earlier calls for a round table conference were ignored by the opposition and as things stand, there is little hope of the present call receiving a favourable response this time either. It is an irony that despite PPPs declared policy of reconciliation, its government is constantly under attack from the opposition while its relations with its allies have at best been rocky. The JUI has recently deserted the coalition, something unusual in the case of allies of sitting governments in Pakistan. Another ally remains a constant pain in the coalitions neck. Why the policy has failed to deliver requires soul searching by the PPP leadership.
Zardaris promise of free and transparent elections is heartening. What remains worrisome though is that the steps needed to redeem the promise have yet to be taken. The next elections are to be held two years hence but an independent Election Commission is still nowhere in sight. Meanwhile Nadra has detected more than 37 million bogus voters in the existing Electoral Rolls. Preparing an authentic voters list is bound to be a difficult exercise in a country with nearly 80 million voters. The government therefore has to move fast to create an independent, powerful and financially autonomous EC at the earliest if it wants to redeem the pledge made by Zardari.
