Pakistan Peoples Party

As 2007 starts on a positive note with Pakistan's premiere, Shaukat Aziz, travelling to Afghanistan to make things different. Furthermore, positive remarks have originated from across the border with Mr. Manhoman Singh desiring a durable peace with Pakistan.

However, as all these positive developments take place one has to keep in mind an important aspect that may decide the future of this region. That is the elections of 2007 "The year of Benazir's return" as some people call it. Well, at this point in time I believe its just anyone's guess that BB will be returning to the country or not?

It has been some time since the PPP has raised a serious charge against the government. In addition, not much of major figures from BB's party are appearing on television to prove that 'real democracy' does not exist in Pakistan. It is evident that some formula is being sorted out between the establishment and the Pakistan Peoples Party. There is a rumor that Benazir Sahiba will be allowed to return to Pakistan only if she accepts her role like that of Sonia Gandhi with her Congress. This might be the empth time that Makhdoom Fahim will be keeping his fingers crossed because he has been a regular candidate for the PM slot during the elections period. As these rumors hit the drawing room discussions in Pakistan, many people are starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. Now we see more of PML(Q) members appearing on television giving out new figures of economy growth, foreign reserves and poverty level to prove that they have worked hard enough to win their reward from the President of Pakistan. In addition, a lot of the ruling party members may believe it is unfair that every time during elections PPP gets more exciting publicity than their party. While all this happens at the background, Mian Nawaz Sharif seems to be losing his ground very rapidly. It seems like PML(N) has been stranded alone with unclear figures such as Qazi Hussain and Imran Khan. They might be calling it the 'London Plan' which will bring a significant change in the political setup in the country. But to my view, it is just a far fetched idea which will die before its introduction even.

The opposition which was together for a long period of time has started to look for opportunities, if offered. Seems like the notion of 'Power Corrupts' is overpowering the principles of politics. It is unfortunate to see the politicians of today jumping back and forth to seek comfort. However, they do not realize that each jump of theirs dents whatever hopes there exists in the people of Pakistan - or some people may call them as 'Pakistan Ki Awam.'

However, it will be interesting to see the drama unfold in the coming months as bureaucrats manoeuvre around to make an acceptable formula for President Musharraf and his close aides. By close aides, I do not mean the King's Party but only those who are truly trusted by the President. Maybe not many can figure if 2007 will be 'the year of Benazir's return.' But, one thing is clear that it will be an interesting year as far the politics of Pakistan is concerned.