In defense of Durrani

"Who is minding the store?" has been a recurrent theme raised by the media and think tanks with regard to Pakistani politics. While on the face of it, we have a democratic set-up following the February 18 elections, there is a lot of confusion about the manner in which the government machinery is currently working. The division of powers between the President and PM at the federal level and between the governor and CM at the provincial level is the favourite grist to the public mill. The constitution is very clear as to the apportionment and delegation of power and authority; however, its implementation continues to raise questions and controversy.
The general perception is that President Zardari is calling the shots and the ticklish questions by an inquisitive media to the PM regarding the duality unnecessarily embarrasses him and leaves awkward questions in the minds of the people. Such confusion and diffusion of centres of power is perhaps understandable. The country has returned to the democratic track after 9 years of misrule. The autocratic handling of national issues by the military dictator has distorted the consultative provisions and defiled the spirit of democracy. Despite the presence of a Parliament and other so-called democratic institutions, hardly ever has a reference been made to them on any critical issue. The end result is the mess we are in today.
There has been a spate of speculations in the media that Zardari wishes to keep all the authority with him and is running an executive presidency. In proof thereof is cited the inaction by the government to rid the 17th amendment and other relevant articles providing for arbitrary use of authority in the constitution. The situation that obtains is a natural corollary of the unchallenged transgression made from the constitutional path. Hopefully, soon enough, such confusion will be sorted out by sheer force of circumstances and dictate of real politik.
However, until that happens, there is need for greater coordination and consultation among different ministries and institutions, protecting and governing the state apparatus. The Mumbai tragedy has put Pakistan in the eye of international storm. India seems to be succeeding in its propaganda blitz to put Pakistan in the dock. Gradually, but discretely, it is raising the ante. Earlier, India did not speak of direct involvement of Pakistan, but now having collated evidence "totalling 52 pages," the Indian PM is accusing Pakistan of using "terror as a state policy," arguing that military precision of terrorist attacks was enough evidence that it had support from the state. There is also a constant chorus that "all options are open" to dismantle the terrorist outfits. Such statements obviously whip up war hysteria and do not serve interests of either party.