The recent presidential elections in Pakistan have not eased the political crisis in that country and have, if anything, only intensified it. Musharraf's electoral victory was robbed of much of its shine because the main opposition parties boycotted the polling. The Supreme Court is still hearing a slew of petitions challenging the validity of the General's candidacy, and continues to be headed by the Chief Justice whom Musharraf had unsuccessfully sought to unseat earlier this year. Militant street protests are continuing to take place in different towns and cities, despite the ferocious repression that was let loose on these by the police. The exact status of Musharraf's deal with Benazir Bhutto and her party remains shrouded in mystery, and both Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, the other main political contender, remain in exile out of the country. Meanwhile, fighting in the Waziristan region between the state forces and the local tribes has intensified, with scores of casualties on both sides.

At the base of the crisis is the deep discontent of people all over Pakistan with the situation there. There is great anger over the denial of basic democratic rights, and the continuing economic hardship faced by masses of people. In Balochistan and the North West Frontier Province, there is bitter hatred over the administration's ruthless suppression of national aspirations and all opposition. Above all, there is resentment over the government's full support to the US-led “war against terrorism”, which has seen it launch even military operations against its own people, both in Waziristan and against those it has labelled as “extremists” and “religious fundamentalists” in the rest of the country.

It is clear that the majority of people in Pakistan want change. However Pakistan, like India, has been saddled with a political system in which the same discredited politicians, known for their corrupt ways and anti-people policies while in power, are brought back to power again and again. The difference in the political history of Pakistan has been that in between these spells of rule by civilian despots and demagogues, there have been spells of rule by military despots who promise to deliver the people from corruption, anarchy and economic hardship, but end up giving rise to more of the same. Like the people in India, where the majority of people live in conditions of abysmal poverty and deprivation after nearly six decades of “democracy”, the people of Pakistan need to come up with a solution to break out of this vicious cycle and wrest sovereignty back from the exploiters and those who collaborate with foreign powers against their own people.

One feature in the present political situation in Pakistan that is becoming increasingly obvious is the vigor of political activity of people from all walks of life in all parts of the country. Men and women, students and venerable lawyers, journalists and other professionals, tribesmen and residents of cities, are all voicing their demands and grievances openly, and boldly defying what they see as injustice. Years of betrayal and brutal repression have not cowed their spirit. This is a positive development which acts as a check on the perfidy of scheming politicians and generals as well as the US imperialists.