This refers to the editorial, “Democracy in danger” (July 31). Pakistan’s Government reaffirmed, yet again, that a failed state exists in the neighbouring country. It would be pointless to speculate on the future of democracy for the concept has been inherently fragile since 1947 in the said country. The verdict of the Supreme Court that has stripped Nawaz Sharif of prime ministership in the case relating to the Panama Papers, underlines the supremacy of the judiciary and also, of course, the military. The judgement will also set a precedence where Pakistani politicians, at all stages of their career, will have to explain the accumulation of their wealth, increasing transparency and accountability.
The Panama Papers, detailing the surreptitious stashing away of ill-acquired wealth in offshore accounts by the crooked have brought down several middling figures worldover. Compared to the prolonged, foot-dragging in Pakistan, India was faster in responding to the biggest-ever data leak of offshore accounts. But a year later, the Supreme Court is still to take a call on whether to form a special investigation team or hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Sharif's departure from the political scene is almost certain to herald a period of volatility within Pakistan and, therefore, greater risk in relations between India and Pakistan.