Pakistan lies in a region that has been a subject of worldwide attention and political tensions since 9/11. The democratic government was overthrown by a military coup in 1999. A submissive government was formed in 2002 after allegedly massively rigged elections. In the past 60 years, dictatorship has ruled for more than 30 years in Pakistan. And whenever there has been parliamentary system, the civilian governments have been heavily influenced by military. In effect, military has governed Pakistan throughout 60 years. Past 8 years of dictatorship rule have brought Pakistan to a number of conflicts. Amid military operations in tribal areas, suicide bombings and political instability; human rights, freedom of press and media have also suffered greatly. With a parliament often referred to as “rubber stamp” and “puppet”, the establishment tried to crush every element which raised voice against it. In response to an attempt by the government to overthrow the bold-looking judiciary in March 2007, the country saw a massive movement of lawyers, students, journalists and civil society. Currently there are thousands of missing persons, including journalists, judges, lawyers and other civilian right activists either missing or under detention.
US influence in politics, foreign and internal policies of Pakistan has always been prominent. President Musharraf claimed in a TV interview that then US Secretary of state Richard Armitage threatened to bomb Pakistan to “Stone Age” if American forces were not allowed to use its bases for military operations in Afghanistan following 9//11 attacks. President, as opposed to wishes of 160 million Pakistanis, single handedly took a decision to save his rule which is not strange in any dictator ruled states. It is believed that each government, whether democratic or autocratic, is formed after active US intervention. US policymakers keep a close watch on process of elections, results and formulation of governments.
Consequently, Pakistan’s foreign policy has been, on most occasions, a dictation from US government. At present, Pakistan is struggling for commencement of a democratic process after partially fair elections on Feb 16 2008, in which the anti-Musharraf political parties gained massive success. Amid formulation of new government, the arrival and meetings with political leaders of several US senators and others officials such as Negro Ponte have raised several questions about self reliance and independence of new government setup. One of the major reasons why the previous government setup failed to gain votes in present elections is said to be its heavily US-inspired foreign policy which led to coalition with US in war on terror, and military operations inside Pakistan’s western tribal areas against alleged militants.
Apart from foreign policy, issues of freedom of press, media and judiciary and terrorism are the greatest challenges lying ahead of new government. Pakistan is also facing concerns about human rights violations and women abuse. There have been positive signs in these respects. The newly elected speaker of National Assembly is a female candidate from Pakistan Peoples Party, which is mainstream successful party after elections. But the problem of abuse against women finds its roots in un-educated population in backward areas of Pakistan. The situation demands continuation of democratic process, and long term policies of education and health. Nevertheless, people have expectations from new government regarding current social issues. Several judges who were detained have been released by new government and more independent stance on war on terror is expected as opposed to US idea of use of force.