Pakistan Needs Reform

Will the second time around be the charm? Yes, Benazir Bhutto is back. The first woman to lead a Muslim state in modern times has assumed the post of prime minister of Pakistan again. This time she has even more to prove.

The charismatic but opportunistic Bhutto was banished from the post a mere 20 months after assuming it the first time, in 1988. Her first term ended in 1990 amid charges of corruption and incompetence. She achieved little. Now she returns heralding democracy--and must achieve something.

She should press on with the impressive economic and legal reforms begun during the interim government of Moeen Qureshi, a former vice president of the World Bank. In just three months as prime minister, Qureshi slashed government subsidies and ordered tax increases that are credited with returning Pakistan to financial solvency and providing a framework for recovery. The moves have also helped to root out corruption.

Bhutto must follow through on the reforms as well as address the troublesome political instability created by a constitution that allows the president to dissolve Parliament and appoint military chiefs, judges and provincial governors.

Internationally, she has already exacerbated frayed relations with the United States by vowing to continue Pakistan’s controversial nuclear weapons program. Not a terrific start, but Bhutto’s second chance, if the new prime minister so chooses, could still be Pakistan’s big chance.