Musharaff Finds a Way Out

An election year usually carries lots of surprises in it and this one, perhaps the first official one since 70s, is no different. The budget debate is taking place in both houses of parliament with usual vim and vigor, but the real games and plans are being hatched somewhere else. Deals are being hurled at all possible stakeholders including Peoples Party, PML (N), and of course the blue-eyed MMA. While MQM has locked its horns with Imran Khan, its best bet seems to be of survival than anything else at this point in time, because President Gen. Musharaff does not want to get anymore wrath by doing anything more for its exiled and British-passport-holding leader.

Moles are conveying mixed information from the power corridors, which none of political player from any side of the divide is ready to admit on record but confirms when one confronts them with various queries including the movements of the deputy and assistant secretaries, statements from presidency and letters from those considered establishment’s prodigies.

The news is rife that President Gen. Musharaff who has already conveyed to his henchmen, hand-crafted leaguers and allies that chief justice issue will dye down in the days to come, is likely to address the nation to show magnanimity and political foresightedness by restoring Chaudhary Iftikhar. Moles are of the view that the move will not only help Musharaff regain the much needed acceptability of foreign powers but would also bar the chief justice from leading rallies into various cities. A lot has been said from both sides and whatever venom both carried against each other has become part of the record, so like good boys, both have been advised by their ‘well-wishers’ to wind up things and move on.

Behind the scene movements have also ensured that Chaudhary Iftikhar might also be asked not to sit on any bench hearing a case involving the president or his actions. There are, however, many other concessions which will be offered to the returning CJ, including but not limited to his protocol, safety and future security.
The issue of uniform still remains a point of contention among all the stakeholders. The message is loud and clear from the king makers that both offices cannot remain with one man. Same is the contention of PPP, which, moles confirmed is still in contact with the government via a mutually trusted friend in London, says that uniform and presidency has to part ways. PPP, through sheer hard-work of diplomacy and meetings in Dubai, Washington and London seems to have earned a centre stage in the whole process. The party is not only tipped to take a lead if given a free and fair run during the elections, but has also been assured that no harm, at least for the time being will be done to its exiled leader and her family members. PPP is learnt to have also ensured that its ally and co-signer of charter of democracy returns home without any trouble and be allowed to take part in elections.

Another issue of contention remains that whether President should seek his re-election from the same assemblies or should wait for the new set of assemblies. For this, mole confided that during the proposed televised speech, the President might also disclose the election schedule for September or October. This, mole said would give the President time to chair the next board of promotions, due in October, where two of his close and trusted comrades are bidding adieu to army and many three stars generals will be look at for possible elevation to four star décor and ultimately to the all powerful seat of COAS.

On the issue of PML (N), the moles said that negotiations are part of governance and Gen. Musharaff has also learned this art over the years. Though Nawaz Sharif has a personal grudge against Gen. Musharaff but he too has shown flexibility and things are moving ahead. Known power-brokers are involved in this process from both sides and moles also confirmed that since Nawaz has someone else to appease before dealing with establishment, his deputies like Saifur Rehman are working on Saudi Royals through other Royals of the same region. Moles were confident that things are nearing rapprochement with Nawaz and for Nawaz.

As for MMA elements are concerned, with NWFP and Baluchistan governments in its bag, establishment never seemed concerned about them as long as Maulana diesel holds the trump card of the alliance. Their hue and cry, moles said is justified because they too have to context the elections and justify their past follies.

In the end, moles opined that politics remains an art of making impossible possible and the efforts are afoot but whether they materialize as they have been planned remains a big if.