Doubtful again

Most recently,the triangulated rivalry between the civilian government,the military and the judiciary in Pakistan nearly spun out of control when Yousuf Raza Gilani was disqualified from the parliament and an arrest warrant issued against his partys first choice for a prime ministerial successor. Although Zardari has overseen Pakistans first transition from one elected government to another,the process of democratic consolidation once again looks under siege. Pakistans internal unravelling has also undermined the confidence that had been generated in prospects of improvement in Indo-Pak relations. Together,Gilani and Zardari played a pivotal role in bringing about a thaw in the post-26/11 freeze. The trust deficit between Delhi and Islamabad was being gradually reduced,culminating in bold moves towards bilateral economic engagement. There has been a reversal of that pattern of late,and a return to an older uncertainty and unpredictability.

The Siachen and Sir Creek talks ended with no resolution. Nor was the liberalised visa regime inked last month. Now,the Surjeet-Sarabjit episode appears to fit into the same pattern. It would be unfortunate if,in the process,long-term faith in incremental progress in India-Pak relations is dented again.