He came, he waited a while and left. That in a few words would sum up former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s much anticipated return to Pakistan after seven years of exile. The return has been an anti-climax. Within hours of his return to the country, Sharif was bundled out again. His return to active politics in Pakistan was expected to electrify his rudderless party activists, even draw support from members of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) annoyed with Benazir Bhutto’s courting of the generals. It was expected to provide anti-Musharraf democratic forces with a rallying point. Such hopes have now been dashed with his quick departure from the scene. His exit does not mean the end of his role in the drama unfolding in Pakistan but it is clear that this face-off between two key characters has gone off in favour of President Pervez Musharraf. Sharif’s supporters have promised mass protests in the coming days but whether they will be able to sustain the momentum of the protests in the face of likely pressure from the government remains to be seen.
President Musharraf’s decision to prevent Sharif from returning to political activism in Pakistan, despite a recent court ruling warning the government against preventing the former Prime Minister from returning, indicates that the General is all set to play hardball with his rivals. If over the past month, it did seem that Musharraf was on the ropes, cut to size by a series of judicial verdicts that went against his rule, it is now clear that he intends springing back. He has indicated that he does not have a problem ignoring the courts in order to press ahead with his plans.
Sharif’s deportation does not resolve President Musharraf’s multiple problems. It will deepen civil unrest in the country. Besides, there is the challenge that a newly assertive judiciary poses to his rule. The Supreme Court has begun hearing legal challenges to Musharraf’s dual role as President and Army chief.  That ruling is expected soon. Musharraf’s moves indicate that he will choose to thumb his nose at the courts and impose emergency rule to extend his term in office. But there are sections within the military that are said to be opposed to declaration of emergency. So Musharraf can expect a move in this direction to come under some opposition from within the army.