We know Iraq and Afghanistan for the suicide bombings, but now another country is woefully added to the list. Are you thinking about Pakistan? Yes, you are right. Musharraf’s Presidential agenda adds another chapter in the dark pages of his rule that is marked with autocracy and whimsicality.
Musharraf’s presidential agenda was the subject to confrontations and the violence recurs after the very announcement of his seeking second term as the President. The major reason for the recurrent violent attacks on the army is an attack on the ‘Red Mosque’ clerics after which, terrorists become gruesome against army.
Riots followed in Islamabad, when Supreme Court approved Musharraf’s candidature for the Presidency and now the a suicide bomber set off a blast that killed 15 including four policemen and injured 22 at a crowded police checkpoint in North-Western Pakistan. The bomb was exploded by the rickshaw driver or woman (presumably) either who was sitting in veiled.
As the stage is set for the Presidential election to be held on October 6, 2007 mainly between Musharraf and Wajihuddin Ahmed, a retired judge nominated by lawyers, and Makhdoom Amin Fahim, violence can rise. However, the key will be the result of the election. Thereafter, it remains to be seen what tactics will be adopted to quell violence - even if Musharraf becomes President or remains army chief (in case he looses).
