Musharraf will undermine credibility by holding 2 offices

Islamabad, Apr 28 (UNI) A conservative American think-tank has said Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's decision to simultaneously hold two offices will undermine his credibility and make it difficult for him to face off the growing threat of Talibanisation in the country.

However, the Washington-based Heritage Foundation observed that a victory in free and fair elections due this year by secular political parties could guarantee for Pakistan a course of stability and moderation, Dawn newspaper reported.

"It is increasingly becoming important that Pakistan hold free, fair and transparent elections that put in place democratic and secular forces. The more President Musharraf seeks to mollify Islamic radicals and sideline secular parties, the more influence religious radicals gain," the foundation said in its recent study on Pakistan.

In late 2004, Musharraf reneged on the pledge to shed his military uniform, the report recalled, adding that his presidency is set to end on November 16 and so far he has shown no inclination to take off the uniform before he seeks re-election from the present parliament.

"Pakistan can achieve stability through democracy" has repeatedly mentioned the sidelining of mainstream political parties and General Musharraf's failure to act decisively against the radicals.

President Musharraf is most likely to maintain stability if he engages with democratic elements of civil society and vigorously pursues the rule of law against the anti-democratic, violent elements, the study mentioned in its concluding remark.

It said that the signs of 'Talibanisation' in northwest Pakistan and calls for Sharia-rule in the capital city (by radical cleric of a local mosque three weeks ago) have heightened the urgency for free, fair and transparent elections later this year.

The study gives an obvious impression that the researchers at the Heritage Foundation are fully convinced that given the chance, secular political parties can fare well in the upcoming elections to guarantee Pakistan a stable future.

It also impresses upon the moderate and progressive elements in Pakistan to find a way to work with one another, otherwise they will remain hostage to the agenda of radicals who use fear to gain acceptance in masses.

Referring to the ongoing judicial crisis in Pakistan, it said the protests demonstrate the main political parties' increasing frustration with the military set up and their willingness to confront General Musharraf through peaceful demonstrations.

President Musharraf's handling of the judicial standoff will impact his ability to harness support from moderate and secular section of society against the radical elements, because they had also rejected what has been happening at the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa, the report said.

Washington will also measure the success of Pakistan's policies to tame its tribal areas by their impact on infiltration levels of Taliban fighters from its territory to Afghanistan, it said.

UNI