Harmful interference

AFTER three months in hibernation, President Musharraf is on the offensive again. In the wake of several brainstorming sessions with his political protégés, described by his opponents as conspiratorial activities, he has launched a campaign against the government through statements and addresses at gatherings organised by his men. He not only criticises the government's performance but also tries to create differences between the establishment and the government. Despite being the head of state, who is supposed to be neutral, he has assumed the role of leader of the opposition. In his latest speech at a Karachi reception, he presented a bleak picture of the economy: foreign exchange reserves had depleted, local capital was leaving the country, the rupee continued to depreciate and stock markets were crashing. He conveniently forgot to mention that these troubles are in no small measure due to the rise in the international prices of petrol and food, a phenomenon beyond the government's control, and the failure of the previous government to gradually shift the burden of the rise in prices to consumers, which many think was a calculated move to create troubles for the elected government. Despite the government's success in bringing an end to the suicide bombings through its policy of negotiations with the militants, President Musharraf has blamed the policy for encouraging militancy in areas where he alleges it did not exist. After visiting Karachi, President Musharraf is proceeding to Quetta despite an announcement by the provincial government of a boycott of the functions organised for him.