Pakistan braces for elections amid flaring violence

From KUNA.

A good roll up of activities in the run up to Pakistani elections.

Pakistan is bracing for much-anticipated general elections, expected to be held in the mid-February, amid flaring up violence, political as well as power and wheat crisis. While, the threats of possible large-scale military operation are looming on the bordering tribal region, the federal government is trying to fight off a new wave of suicide bombers and meet the growing oil, energy and wheat shortages. President Musharraf embarked on four-nation tour to Belgium, France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to improve countrys image abroad and clear misperceptions created since he imposed over a month-long emergency in the country in November 2007 and subsequent events including Benazir Bhuttos assassination. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto opened a new chapter of violence in the major cities of the country including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Near 15 persons including five policemen were killed and about 36 others were wounded in a latest suicide attack in Peshawar.

As I have stated before, democracies become the home of the free, because of the brave.

Pakistanis must be brave in these upcoming, decisive elections in order to earn their freedom. For too long the Pakistan military has protected the populous while at the same time limiting freedoms. Now it is time for the populous to protect itself and the freedoms it is seeking.

For a full read, click here.