Democratic forces could heal wounds

During most of their history since independence from British colonial rule in 1947, Pakistan and India were locked in bitter rivalry and fought wars. The military has dominated the affairs in the Islamic republic and directly governed the country for more than half of its 60-year life. Notably the armed conflicts between the two occurred during military rules in Pakistan.

A democratic Pakistan is the best hope for peace between the two South Asian neighbours that went nuclear in 1998 raising the stakes sharply. Pakistan's military dictator Pervez Musharraf claimed the credit for the start of a peace process with India in 2004. But events since then have demonstrated that a real turnaround in relations will be possible when decisions in Pakistan on major issues are taken by an elected, sovereign parliament. Musharraf's thrust for peace with India and his proposals for an out-of-the-box solution to the Kashmir dispute, the principal barrier to normalisation of relations between the two countries, lacked legitimacy and popular support.

Pakistan's 2008 elections paved the way for democratic governance, but the system is yet to achieve stability. The parliament, the judiciary and other institutions need to establish their credibility and effectiveness.

India has put the peace process on hold after the Mumbai attacks blamed on Pakistan-based militant groups. It will, however, sooner than later realise that democracy next door will create an enabling environment to resolve bilateral issues and establish permanent peace. Barring the hardliners, the vast majority in both countries foresee the present tensions fading out in 2009. It is in India's own interest to help strengthen the democratic order in Pakistan.

The writer is a political analyst based in Islamabad.