Post 9/11, Musharraf regime has gone through crisis after crisis in a chained continuation and for a moment shelving all emotions aside, one should admit that his administration generally took decisions which proved constructive in the aftermath of every situation. But ironically, the overall image of the State domestically has deteriorated. Speaking from a neutral standpoint, the deliverables promised by the Musharraf regime has fallen short of peoples’ expectations, which sadly mars his performance. Preempting criticism, I would refer to Prime Minister Jamali’s recent speech at National Defense College where he said that Pakistan was becoming “irrelevant” to the masses. The question arises: has anything been done to make Pakistan “relevant?” This is a question to the administration on its domestic policies and actions.

On the other hand the opposition, despite terribly failing to move even few hundreds of people against the government, keeps fuming out threats of a “final protest” to “safeguard the sovereignty and independence of Pakistan.” Their list of claims also includes “getting Pakistan out of the slavery of America.” One wonders, if they would have acted differently had they been in power? Which political party in the house or in public is the “real opposition” and what is their unanimous agenda? Is it to serve the greater interests of Pakistan?

In contradiction to assertions of opposing parties, the international image of Pakistan seems on the rise. Some major global players are pouring in long-term commitments for the internal stability of Pakistan. Unfortunately, the alienation of a common man from the affairs of the State provides perfect ground for all kind of conspiracy theories and even the good gestures of the world not only go unnoticed but they are taken as “Jewish and Hindu conspiracies.”

Take the example of recent American engagement in reforming the Madrassah education and the syllabus revision. It’s the US tax payer money that would be spent here. This money legally has no claim from Pakistan but the pundits of the status-quo term it as an American plot to “deprive Pakistan from the spirit of Jihad.” -- what kind of Jihad or education is it that makes a young man opt for a suicide mission in an Imam Bargah a couple of days before Aashoora? The choice is really between, a system that leads young men to suicide missions or one that produces a crop of educated and progressive Muslims?

The EU commitments are also promising. Pakistan is expected to be reinstated in the Commonwealth in April, which will ease the political strain with the CW and would provide an improved outlook to the Pakistani political administration. The increased Pakistani export quota to EU markets is also a symbol of helping Pakistan to gain economic stability. This kind of bilateralism is what has helped Pakistan present its case in a logical way even in the recent issue of nuclear proliferation. US administration accepted the fact that Pakistan was not “officially” involved but it was a few individuals acting out of their personal greed and religious motivation. While the world, mainly the US and EU, appreciates Pakistan’s quick action to cap such activities in future, domestic opposition is hording the people in a different direction. A central MMA leader got the people roar back thrice in “yes” when he asked if they accepted and appreciated the corruption and illegal assets of Dr. AQ Khan’s.

Musharraf and the political government are faced with the challenge of steering the nation into a progressive future: a future where no youth would fall trap to extremism and blow himself in a mosque. Musharraf and Jamali get lashes from the domestic politicians for doing just that while the world pats their back. Only time will prove who takes the lead but for now, I must say that the world appears prepared but we are not for a new – and better – Pakistan.