PPP Final Report

The last few weeks have been marked by unprecedented turmoil. The murder and kidnapping of election monitors, domestic terrorism, the use of a radiological weapon by the Taliban, fighting between Pakistani and Indian forces, and increase violence perpetrated by Kashmiri separatist movements.

Nevertheless, the Pakistan People's Party has achieved a number of remarkable successes:

It has faciliated the creation of an indepdenent election commission that supervised successful parliamentary elections

It has achieved a plurality in the Pakistani parliament and entered into an effective coalition government with the PML-N. These elections have repudiated the incumbent government and demonstrated in no uncertain terms the Pakistani people's desire for fundamental change.

It has gained American support for the coalition government and also acquired essential military aid to assist Pakistani anti-terrorism operations

It has found a partner in FATA which has renounced its support for the Taliban and the use of terrorism as a political instrument

We have also developed and maintained strong working relations with the EU and the UN, which have, from the moment the election results were read, supported the PPP and the subsequently formed coalition government with the PML-N

Finally, skillful PPP/PML-N negotiations have to led an agreement with the PML-Q whereby Nawaz Sharif has been permitted to return to Pakistan, martial law has been suspended, and free and fair elections at the end of the president's term. Additionally, the military will fall under the control of a civilian president. While we acknowledge the tremendous importance of the military in Pakistan we also recognize the need to finally subordinate this institution to elected civilian control.

Throughout the past two weeks we have witnessed just how fragile this region is. Our goal is to encourage greater compromise both within Pakistan and among our neighbors.