Pakistan’s Supreme Court has convicted Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in a contempt of court case for his refusal to revive corruption charges against Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari. The process began in 2009 with the court rejecting former President Pervez Musharraf’s amnesty to Zardari and other politicians. Gilani’s conviction may have given rise to a whole host of complexities in troubled Pakistan. However, the court merely cited and did not invoke Article 63(1g) of Pakistan’s constitution disqualifying convicted parliamentarians. The Supreme Court verdict was simply symbolic. It detained Gilani in court till it adjourned. The Prime Minister was not in jail for even one day. It signified a kind of victory for Pakistan’s civilian government. The military under General Ashfaq Kayani has resiled somewhat from its belligerent attitude. This is salutary for Pakistan’s stability. Its external and internal situation is in danger. What should be welcome is the lessening tension between the government, the Army and the judiciary in that country. It is in India’s interest. Recently General Kayani joined hands with President Zardari in highlighting the need for strengthening economic ties between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan’s government under Zardari and Gilani has contributed in large measure to reviving India-Pakistan relations which hit rock bottom with the attack on Mumbai in 2008. India’s own security hinges on internal stability in Pakistan. The civilian government in Islamabad faces opposition from Nawaz Sharif. The sooner such conflicts are resolved, the better for India for economic and counter-terrorism purposes.