Talking Point: Pakistan may go to polls soon

confrontation is looming between the Pakistan government and Opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, who is bent on leading a countrywide "long march" to press for the restoration of a sacked judge. Protests have been banned in Punjab and Sindh and scores of political workers and leaders have been detained. Reports say an arrest warrant has been issued against cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and a senior PML-N leader has been arrested. Pakistan's Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, CNN's Stan Grant and Senior Diplomat K C Singh came on CNN-IBN's India on 9 to discuss the political turbulence that has taken over Pakistan. Here is a transcript of the chat.
CNN-IBN: There are rumours that a change in the Pakistani government is imminent?
Stan Grant: There have been a lot of rumours, speculation and misinformation. The tensions have been high here for some time now. Ever since PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif was ruled ineligible by the Supreme Court to stand for the electoral office we have seen a very tense political stand, particularly between Nawaz Sharif and President Zardari.
CNN-IBN: Is there an indication that there could be a meeting point as far as the Nawaz Sharif scam and the Zardari government is concerened? Is there a possibility of the reinstatement of the former Chief Justice?
Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: There is always the possibility of discussuions on various issues. So one really can't close all chapters between the two parties. As far as the Chief Justice is concerened, it's a matter of concern for Nawaz Sharif as he had promised his voters that he will get him reinstated. But we had not promised that to our voters. We did not get the votes on the basis that we will get the Chief Justice reinstated. This is an internal issue between the ruling PPP and Nawaz Sharif.
CNN-IBN: Are you in talks with Nawaz Sharif or any members of his camp?
Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: Because we are collegues and there are always channels open, someone or the other will be talking to the senior members of Nawaz Sharif's party.
CNN-IBN: Isn't it true that the reason Justice Iftikar Chaudhary cannot be reinstated is because he is likely to strike down the National Reconciliation Order (NRO) by former president Musharraf that allowed President Zardari to return to Pakistan?
Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: I think if there is any decision taken by the cabinet, that is in fact the decision of the cabinet and there is no law that can over rule that cabinet's decision.
CNN-IBN: How worried are you that this Long March could get out of control?
Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: As far as the Long March is concerned, every party has the right to organise a march as long as it's not going to be violent. But if they want to act on certain points which are not allowed, then things could get difficult.
CNN-IBN: President Zardari is in Iran and is likely to be back soon. When is he expected back? There are also reports that he's been asked to stay out of the country?
Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: Whoever has said that President Zardari should stay out of the country is not a friend of Pakistan. President Zardari went out of Pakistan to attend the summit and he is expected back on Wednesday night.
CNN-IBN: Reports say Pakistan's army chief has said to President Zardari that this political mess must be brought under control?
Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: This isn't true. The army chief is a citizen fo Pakistan and he believes in democracy.
CNN-IBN: A lot of people are saying that Pakistan has come full circle with the crackdown?
Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar: We have no intention of arresting people the way it was done before. We have gone through the period of Nawaz Sharif and the way arrests were made in that period so it will be best to discuss this issue later.
CNN-IBN: Many would point out that political turbulence is common that it is in essence an internal matter of Pakistan. Should India worry?
K C Singh: We should not worry. But certainly we should be concerned and observe of what is happening there. Overall there is a lot of exaggeration which has come about in the media and otherwise. The basic stake holders in Pakistan are trying to redefine the area in which they cooperate and how they cooperate. The clash was inevitable, the question was not whether or not it will take place but 'when' will it take place. And the 'when' came with the Supreme Court judgement which cut the Sharif brothers completely out of power. The only solution possible is for President Zardari to maybe have his wings clipped.
Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani's relationship has always been tense. Gilani's statements have generally been supportive of the army. I think there is some redefining of relationships taking place. However, the only spolier can be in the struggle on the streets which will start from Thursday till March 16. If the violence gets out of hand that may percipitate action. Adjustments have to take place and Nawaz Sharif is really pushing for that adjusment.
CNN-IBN: President Zardari is fighting the war on many fronts. There is speculation that we can hear the sounds of the booths?
K C Singh: I agree with Nawaz Sharif. He realises that the army is on its back foot, it's just gone back to the cantonement, it can't come in and that is why he's putting the pressure from the street. He knows there is no possibility of a direct confrontation with the army. General Kayani is certainly exerting pressure on the government to find a solution. The only hurdle to a solution is the President himself. He has to cut a deal with Nawaz Sharif, and this won't be possible till they go to elections again. There will be another election as this is an incomplete set of mandate. I don't think all this can be sorted - including the judiciary issue - till another election.