Observers see tough time for Musharraf

Islamabad: Several Pakistan Muslim League stalwarts were humbled in general elections that are now being described as a public revolt against President Pervez Musharraf and the failed policies pushed by the PML-Q.

Major transformation

The results have surprised many observers in that even the big names could not avoid ignominy. Observers are now expecting a major transformation in the country's political landscape and predicting a hard time for President Musharraf.

Those who have lost their seats include Shujat Hussain, the PML-Q chairman; Amir Hussain, National Assembly Speaker; Shaikh Rashid Ahmad, former federal minister for railway; Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, former foreign minister; Ejazul Haq, former federal minister of religious affairs; Hamayoon Akhtar, former federal minister of commerce; Dr Sher Afghan, former minister of parliamentary affairs; and Rao Sikandar Iqbal, former minister of defence and senior minister. Prominent winners include PML-N stalwarts Khawaja Asif, Ahsin Iqbal, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Chaudhry Nisar Hussain, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, and the PPP's Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, and Ahmad Mukhtar.

Several questions have arisen about any alliance the PPP and PML-N may manage to cobble together. Both parties, though in agreement on some basic policy matters, have divergent view on issues such as the restoration of Supreme Court judges and the fight against terrorism. They have to find common ground to sit in the government and in Punjab - the biggest province.

Tough task ahead

Mohammad Mustaq, a political annalist in Islamabad, said religious hardliners and the blind followers of US polices had both lost ground. "People have brought moderate parties to the forefront, believing that they will be able to bring the country back on the track to prosperity and peace," he said. "I think the new government will have a tough time meeting the challenges the country has been facing and in keeping public confidence intact."