IBNLive Chat: Pak govt might not last full term

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Girish Nair: Hi Rezaul, how does the common Pakistani view India?

Rezaul H Laskar: Girish, the average Pakistani accepts the Partition, believes we are two separate and distinct countries and still thinks we have a lot in common. All the stories you hear about the warmth displayed by Pakistanis for common Indians are true. One will never feel out of place in Pakistan, especially if you are from northern India.

Of course, the positive trend in bilateral relations has helped improve people-to-people ties in the past few years. The youth, in particular, are crazy about Bollywood and Indian music and it would be very difficult to find a cabbie in Islamabad who doesn't play Bollywood music!

Saad: How long will the union between Nawaz Sharif and Zardari last? Given the fact that Nawaz Sharfi will not be satisfied with the present arrangement and 5 years are too long a wait for new elctions?

Rezaul H Laskar: Saad, very interesting question. If you look at the basics, Zardari and Nawaz are very different. They have been bitter rivals. People here are very happy that they decided to put aside their differences and come together to steer Pakistan out of one of the most difficult phases in its history. But they will have to grapple with some very tough issues to stay together. The new PM from the PPP today said he would be willing to work with the President, but a few hours later, Sharif again called on Musharraf to quit. I personally think it will be a very tough task for the PPP and PML-N to last the full five-year term. If they do, it will do wonders for this country, which is in need of political stability.

Ross Bhai: Hi Rezaul, your profile says you like writing about movies and music. What do you think about Pakistani music? Do you think it is more 'mature' than Indian music, which seems to be dominated by Bollywood music?

Rezaul H Laskar: Hi Ross, thanks for your question. I have been listening to quite a bit of the Pakistani pop music on radio and TV (that is, when I can get the time) and I must say I find what is being produced in this country is infinitely more interesting than Indi-pop. The lyrics are better and there are more real instruments instead of keyboards and synths. The music sounds fresher and like you said, there is less of "Bollywood" in it. And what is truly interesting is the sheer range that is available – you have stuff that ranges from classical to pop to guys who play straight out blues-rock.

Faisal: Mr Zardari was ‘Mr 10 Per cent’ when his wife was the Prime Minister. Why should Pakistanis believe that he would be an honest man now when he is the king-maker?

Rezaul H Laskar: There are many people here who say Mr Zardari has changed from his days as ‘Mr 10 Per Cent’ since the unfortunate assassination of his wife. But there are also some who remain unconvinced by his new image. Only time can provide a real answer to your question.

Pritish Bharat: What will be the main agenda of Zardari ? Will it be looking inwards (economy/ law & order/ improving socio-economic conditions) or outwards (Kashmir)? If it is inwards, it would mean economic cooperation with India, if it is outwards, then there is the never-ending political imbroglio of Kashmir, which has been haunting 150 million people from both sides without any gains to the people of India or Pakistan.

Rezaul H Laskar: I would assume that the new government in Pakistan would have to look at the internal issues first. The country has huge economic problems, it is grappling with crippling shortages of gas, electricity and flour. Terrorism and relentless suicide attacks have created fear among the people and the economy has taken a hit. I would guess that the new administration could take up "outward" issues only after sorting out these internal problems.

Besides, the new government will also have to contend with tricky issues like its relationship with Musharraf and the reinstatement of the deposed judges.