Pakistan Violence Analysis

Tabinda Naeem, Urdu VOA News, Washington This report takes a look at the implications of the most high profile assassination in Pakistan since former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed in December 2007. Shuja Nawaz who is heading the South Asia Center of Washington's Atlantic Council discusses the economic impact of the unrest resulting from this killing, especially when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is withholding the latest tranche of its $11.3bn loan to Islamabad, while petrol prices have increased sharply and chronic fuel shortages are causing unrest. Shuja Nawaz says that not one single gunman was responsible for this killing but all political fractions that were opposing the repeal of blasphemy law and were inciting the emotions of fundamentalist groups within Pakistani society are equally responsible. Terrorism expert Farhana Qazi with Rand Corporation says that to curb terrorism needs a regional rather than local approach and the incident is no surprise keeping in view the support of main stream political parties towards Jehadi elements. Political Analysts are predicting a critical period for Pakistani democracy as the government led by Mr. Taseer's Pakistan People's Party is under threat after one of its coalition partners walked out at the weekend.

---

Orignal From: Pakistan Violence Analysis