Washington: The USA’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has said that there was little evidence to suggest that the Pakistan Army had any intention of forgoing its control over the political scenario in the country.
It added that the Pakistan Army has continued “to expand its economic power in the country,” and the US has stopped short of strongly advocating a return to the democratic system of governance in the country.
“National elections are due in late 2007 and will be the focus of political activity as the time approaches,” the CSIS said in its report.
Teresita Schaffer and Pramit Mitra, the authors of the report, said that the prevailing situations in Balochistan and Waziristan in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were a significant contributor to this aspect.
“The most intense problem facing President Pervez Musharraf continues to be domestic unrest. Sabotage and guerrilla action in Balochistan have undermined federal authority and threatened the province’s gas pipelines.”
“Pakistan’s decision to send military forces into a part of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border that they had previously left to its own devices continues to lead to clashes between the Pakistani army and militants in Waziristan,” the report said.
It further said that Musharraf’s efforts to resolve long-standing domestic problems have generated resentment and controversy.
“Relations with India, though stable at present, are also a source of frustration for Musharraf. On Kashmir, the subject closest to Pakistan’s heart, Musharraf has surprised his compatriots several times by making unorthodox proposals. New Delhi has reacted slowly and coolly.”
“Both Pakistan and India seem to want to keep the dialogue going, but at this point, expectations for a major breakthrough are low,” the report added.
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