Credibility
By Farid Masood • Sep 4th, 2008 • Category: Politics, Worth A Second Look • 32 CommentsGeneralissimo (Retd) Pervaiz Musharraf enjoyed blind powers for almost nine years. Graph of his credibility oscillated by his efforts to destabilize the constitution, institutions and noble personalities.
These were his personal efforts to damage his credibility and he never knew it could happen to him. Apart from his personal efforts there were certain elements around him who were present round the clock. Such elements gather around every distinguished personality as per their approach to mold their certain interests into material to have long-term
benefits. Being president of a country is a very noble position, certainly such position may award some benefits directly and some indirect benefits, or those stars around moon may have leverage to influence others to polish their business.
When the power center changes, like we have witnessed in case of Musharraf resignation, these stars change their orbits with an astonishingly high pace and gather around new emerging moon. Such stars, sometimes, make damage to the credibility of the moon much severely. Moon being in the addiction of power doesn’t bother on efforts of stars, so the damage to credibility starts.
If we compare both efforts from the moon itself and by the stars, personal efforts to damage own credibility may be made up by statements and actions to rebuild it, but the damage done by the stars to one’s credibility is irreversible. There were many persons around Musharraf who were doing investment like one person involved in development of land and housing presented a piece of land and was making a form house for him in Chak Shahzad, When a person from a leading political party become in limelight after Musharraf resignation the same person told a retired army general that he is bearing the costs of foreign tours, expences of ‘chelum’ of wife and gifted a black Mercedes to this person. The same person bought a house in Islamabad sectors F-6 in Rupees 340 million and gifted it to another renowned politician of another political
party.
A land developer gifting a form house to a retired army general and president, bearing expense of foreign tours of another politician and gifting worthy property in elite sector of Islamabad to another politician and telling about his such type of
investments publicly. Does gifting such presents and accepting such presents come under corruption? A country having more than 80% poor citizen, who are standing hours to buy some kgs of flour or some grams of sugar in queues. A country
having power shortage, inflation and price hike for its inhabitants. A country killing its own men due to foreign instructions. Our leaders promising and abusing their promises before nation and no shame on their faces. Monkey jumps are fine to get yourself away from public issues for the time being but till when? They are not going to re-instate Mr Iftikhar Chaudhry. Charges on him are that he has become a party. These politicians taking such gifts and getting accommodated financially will act in the interests of the nation and country in future?
Islamabad is the also power center of media which claims itself fourth pillar of the state, why it is not hi-lighting such issues, why it has kept quiet? All our politicians must before the public and tell the nation about their actual agendas. They and the nation has not much time left before collapsing. I had mention in my article POST MUSHARRAF SCENARIO if the policies and behaviors are not changed we are heading towards another military coup very soon. Then no NRO will work. Post of the president does also hold some credibility.
There is a lot more to say but I reserve the remaining space of this article for comments of our above-mentioned respectable politicians who hold the reins of fate of 180 million people and the readers.
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Yes, you are right, Mr Masood, President Pervez Musharraf was just not the right person - he did not have that required ‘killer instinct’. Hopefully, the next man is fully ‘equipped’ to take care of each and every opponent as Musharraf should have. The Pakistani politics needs thorough cleansing, one hopes that it is done in an examplery fashion. Good luck!
i couldn’t find any other but to write here to bring everyone’s attention re petrol prices. There was a massive increase in petrol prices when oil had reached US$147 a barrell. Now it has come down to US$108 a barrell. Who the hell is going to think of the public? us poor public? why isn’t the benefit being passed on to us? How will that ever get noticed????
Farid,
First I just want to correct you, it is farm house and not form house (unless this is a new form of a house only for corrupt politicians). Not a big issue here, typos happen.
Second, can you please tell us, provide evidence, of who these “mysterious friends” are that buying property for politicians in Islamabad? I am curious, for I do need friends like those that are so kind and generous.
Seriously Farid, I know you mean well but please provide facts. That goes for all writers attempting to share information. Otherwise, it is all baseless speculations. Take this month of Ramadan as a blessing and lets really try understand the implications of our fasting.
Here is a suggestion for you or anyone else wishing to take this challenge. Write an article on fasting/Ramadan and of what it means to you. How has it changed your life in respect to yourself, family, community and nation. Has it helped in essence improve your overall character. I am sure, other ideas can follow with this.
Naeem, just a quick note, local petrol (gas) prices do not follow direct movement of worldwide oil prices. A lot of factors are involved. One right now is the type of credit facility oil producing countries are providing to the purchasing country. Read-up on what is transpiring now with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. All this leads to what the consumer eventually pays for at the pump.
Be patient with the country leaders, I am certain we do have good people in leadership. Not all are corrupt. No, I am not in denial, but I do remain hopeful.
dr alshaer
thanks for correctionf, yes its Farm House.
A tip for reading such type of article:
When one reads such articles please also give attention to the title of the article as well as tags of the article also. I have done my sincere effort for betterment of all or us living in Pakistan.
‘Bad guy’ this President Musharraf - all about Chak Shahzad stories - was really ’small guy’ !!
Read and enjoy :
Musharraf farmhouse: architect’s version
A lot has been written in the foreign and local press lately about Gen Pervez Musharraf’s farmhouse in Chak Shahzad, Islamabad. Journalists have (mis)reported and commented on the plot, the house design, cost, size and any aspect of the house that would make news. There has been a debate whether he will be able to live in his farmhouse or not.
As the architect of this farmhouse, I would like to clarify some facts:
The farmhouse has a very modest and functional design with minimalist and simple finishes. It is anything but ostentatious or palatial. It is made in accordance with the bye-laws of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
Last year there was a controversy about the Chak Shahzad farms, including Gen Musharraf’s plot. After Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry was reinstated on 20th July, he took suo moto notice of the ‘violations’ of law, claiming that the farms were ‘allotted’ to the present owners for growing vegetables and were not meant for residential use. He sought to cancel all the 499 plots in Chak Shahzad.
None of these charges was correct and this move by Justice Chaudhry seemed nothing more than an attempt to settle personal scores with Gen Musharraf. The reality is that these plots had originally been allotted as compensation to those locals who were evicted from their properties in the 1970s and 80s when CDA was in the process of developing sectors in Islamabad. Most of these allottees eventually sold these farms at prevailing market rates. Later, CDA legalized construction of residences in Chak Shahzad.
Gen Musharraf bought his plot at market price and it was officially transferred in his name by CDA, which also stamped and approved the drawings for construction of the house according to their bye-laws. Reports by some journalists that he was allotted the plot “at a throwaway price” and that the construction is illegal are false and malicious.
There is nothing controversial about Gen Musharraf’s plot or the house. It has just been blown out of proportion by sensational reporters.
HAMMAD HUSAIN
Islamabad
www
dawn.com/2008/09/04/letted.htm
I hope this ongoing corruption, terrorism, will end with blessing of God, in holy month of Ramadan.
Let’s pray this Eid bring a Patriot Zardari, calm down and humble Nawaz Sharif, an end to this terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan, peace in the world. Let’s pray USA, Canada and NATO forces help to build Afghan infrastructure, economy, schools, hospitals, roads, instead of fighting to acheive peace. Allah give Taliban and Alqaida the wisdom to understand the reality, and avoid destroying their own people, or getting killed. War is over Non believer Soviets are gone, these are People with Book, believer of One God. For God sake join International Community to help build this poor, unfortunate region and it’s poor people. On this let’s feed the poor Afghan people with sweets, not bullets and suicide bomb blast, or road mines. Cover the people with new dresses, not with blood.
Let’s celebrate this Eid in peace with entire world, people of holy books, believers, non believers.
The way I understand Islam, this is a true spirit. Islam means Religion of Peace.
Let us show the real glory of Islam to the world, from now on Insha Allah
Dear farid,
thanks for your another effort. Your point is right that poor are running after flour trucks and these politicians are worried about next seat. Including me, this nation is fool. We always trusts on them and every time they kicks us back.
Frankly speaking, I never relies on government policies or their slogans in my practical life. I know that my strengths are my educations, certifications and experience. This is for sore that we have to pay above 25% cost for living in this country without hoping any return from government.
As far Dr Alshaer point is concerned then Dr sahab, I can endorse that Musharraf has even gifted one Chak Shahzad Farm Land to his Chef. I have even visited that farm. In addition to this, if you go in detail then Supreme Court had also shown reservations that on what basis CDA is giving this expensive land to strong personalities, because it was suppose that CDA will give this land for growing vegetables that will help Islamabad residents to have fresh vegetables but it is now simply a place for major sins. Dr Sahab, please visit Islamabad and visit there… ZTBL agriculture Land or any other Farm there. You will see the truth.
No offence, no hard feelings
Best regards,
Credibility !
Whose ?
Honestly speaking, such scams do not create any excitement for the people as we have become immune by knowing so much about alleged corruption of influential persons - irrespective of their category. The so-called saviours (Army men) are no exception. The only difference is that corruption done by any politician gets noticeable in few days while the billions of dollars earned by our ’sacred cows’ remains out of reach of common people’s eyes. For example if any MNA or MPA changes model of his car, we start abusing him in our hearts. With political personalities, we have a love and hate relationship. On the other hand nobody knows how much money was received by one federal secretary from a multi-national pharmaceutical company for awarding new price to a medicine. Or how much commission was taken by any chief engineer or his subordinates or secretary communication and works department. Or how much was earned in any military hardware deal. Who does not know about the previous chief justice of Lahore High Court, who was one of the most corrupt man in history of judiciary.
Its our naivety to expect the media to be ‘honest”. No sir ! While living in this society where majority is busy in grabbing money by using illegitimate means, why we expect the media men to be an exception. The media is another ’sacred cow’. From most of the newspaper/channels owners to ordinary reporter, very few persons are honest. Nobody can imagine what is behind the scene story about media. Nobody dares to unearth it. Not even the rival media group because “everyone” is doing the same.
Nice to see you Ch Naeem Sahab. You said very much right.
Keep visiting and commenting, in addition to Writing
Mehrbani Saleem Khan jee.
Naeem Sahib, thank you for speaking ‘honestly’. Your comments have nearly cover all the groups who I had in my mind when I asked - “Credibility ! - Whose?”
I have been trying to bring this point across. That like all those in public service are under oath to carry out their assignments honestly and efficiently; WE THE CITIZENS ALSO HAVE, NOT ONLY AS A RIGHT, BUT RESPONSIBILITY to be vigillent all the time, we must alaways be wary of all the public servants’, their actions and intents(WHAT THEY DO AS WELL AS WHAT THEY DON’T). I don’t see any particular reason to have that ambivalent ‘love - hate’ relationship with any specific organ of the government, we must and, I repeat, we, the people, must learn to be skeptical of our government and monitor what is going on. It is absolutely incumbent upon the people to fulfil this responsibility if we are to have a reasonably effective and efficient and honest government.
Ideally, this must be done by the ‘media’. You have already talked about them. They are what they are, dose it have to result in our resignation. NO! in today’s world we have the opportunity to get even them the ‘media moguls’ and these manufacturers and distributors of disinformation and the rapists of the truth and facts, the so called reporters and ‘anchor persons’. Don’t we all know that they are motivated by the personal financial gains and have given up their traditional sense of purpose. Through such forums like this TPS which has so courageously provided a ‘public space’ to bring the public issues and public personalities, including the ‘robbers’ and pilferers of public funds, out in the open to the public. We HAVE IT, it is right here. WE CAN MAKE, BELIEVE ME, WE CAN MAKE IT AN EFFECTIVE AND POWERFUL ALTERNATIVE TO SCRUTINIZE ALL PUBLIC MATTERS IN PUBLIC. I have been dreaming this idea to materialize, we have this medium we can make it an instrument to gauge performance of all our public sevants. Lets do it. It is possible.
Aftab Jee. I agree with you. You have very aptly pointed out the responsibility of citizens of the state to remain vigilant about those who have been assigned duties and important roles and are paid from the national exchequer. You see every story has many facets. I commented on Fareed Sahib’s story which he courageously and nicely wrote.I gave my opinion that we are myopic when it comes to any wrong-doing by the other influentials but when its done by politicians, we get aggressive. You have touched the story from a different perspective which is thought-provoking.
I appreciate the role being played by TPS and its valuable writers, you are one of them, literate, wise and strong in their ideas and convictions.
You very rightly said that there should not be withdrawal if corruption is that rampant.
Thanks for your value words Naeem Sahib
Regards
Dear Mr Farid Masood
Its ironic that your article is titled “Credibility” but you’ve passed on a rumour and hearsay as fact:
“A land developer gifting a form house to a retired army general and president, …”
This is a rumour that seems to have coloured your journalistic ethics of sifting facts from social gossip. Mr Aftab S Alam, in post no 5 above, has reproduced my letter to Dawn in which, as architect of Gen Musharraf’s farmhouse, I have stated the facts about the plot and the house. These facts can easily be verified from CDA. The plot was purchased by Gen Musharraf from Mr Ghalib Nishtar and was not gifted to him by anyone.
Slander and reproducing unsubstantiated reports in journalism is a crime!
I have proof behind this article, the person mentioned above as land developer has told all this to a very senior retired army general (as i mentioned in my article also).
Mr Hammad Husain, would you care to comment on the rebuttal to your above (in DAWN later), borrowed, letter. I am kinda of curious, now, to know your reaction to that.
Good day!
Farid Masood, can you, kindly, tell me how would you prove what the land developer has told a “very senior retired army general”, who has PERHAPS told you or did he mention it to your friend’s neighbor’s mother-in-law’s friend’s sister’s whatever?
I think that if you were smart you would tell all such “senior whatever” that they did the hatchet job they were assigned, the vendetta they wished is accomplished. They have cashed whatever their worth was by playing the wise guys on TV. They have managed to inflict enough damages to this poor country and us the poor people, it’s enough just leave us. Now, they should spare us this useless disinformation, they should go back and take a ride on whatever suits them.
Regards.
Farid Masood, will you, kindly, tell me how would you prove what the land developer has told a “very senior retired army general”, who has PERHAPS told you or did he mention it to your friend’s neighbor’s mother-in-law’s friend’s sister’s whatever?
I think that if you were smart you would tell all such “senior whatever” that they did the hatchet job they were assigned, the vendetta they wished is accomplished. They have cashed whatever their worth was by playing the wise guys on TV. They have managed to inflict enough damages to this poor country and us the poor people, it’s enough just leave us. Now, they should spare us this useless disinformation, they should go back and take a ride on whatever suits them.
Regards.
Mr Hammad Husain, would you care to comment on the rebuttal to your above (in DAWN later), borrowed, letter. I am kinda of curious, now, to know your reaction to that.
Good day!
If your understanding of ‘proof’ is some third person telling a fourth person, then I will reserve any further comments. Let the readers form their own opinion.
Mr Aftab S. Alam, I agree with your comments. I feel sad thinking about our country’s future when I see the level of our journalistic abilities and ethics - and this includes both print and electronic. Journalists like to call themselves the “fourth pillar” of the State. This in itself should tell us the state of our State. It’s very unfortunate. If only people didn’t have their own axes to grind at every step, we, as a Nation could reach places.