In Fairness to Pervez Musharraf
By A Khokar • Sep 8th, 2009 • Category: Politics, Worth A Second Look • 19 CommentsVisit any TV channel or go through the print media, the hot topic under discussion is Pervez Musharraf’s trial for breaching the Constitution. Most vocal in this campaign is Mian Nawaz Sharif and his coterie. The pertinent question that comes to mind is, that it was not the first time that it has happened, quite a few dignitaries before him had also done the same. Why then he is singled out for retribution? Various platitudes have been put forward to justify this demand; yet the crux of the matter is that it is a simple case of personal vendetta mounted by Nawaz Sharif’s bruised ego against Pervez Musharraf who ousted him from power on October 12, 1999 when the plane bringing Musharraf from Sri Lanka was not allowed to land anywhere in Pakistan and plane’s crash was imminent since it had run short of fuel. However the tragedy was averted at the last moment by army’s intervention. This led to Musharraf taking over the reins of the Govt. They call it “coup”; in reality, it was a case of self-preservation or retaliation on the part of the wronged party (Musharraf). Had he not taken that step, Musharraf would have been eliminated from the scene, altogether.
Apart from above, certain other charges have also been levelled against Musharraf. Of these, Kargal war, Dr. Qadeer Khan’s case and participation in War on Terrorism have been dealt quite adequately by Musharraf in his speeches and statements and also in his memoirs (”In the Line of Fire”). I therefore need not touch said topics here. My considered view on the remaining important charges follows. Before proceeding further, I would like to affirm that those persons who know him from close quarters, would testify, that Musharraf is a truthful and straight forward man, therefore, there is no reason to doubt the veracity of events as described by him in his speeches/statements and memoirs.
In Lal Masjid’s case, action taken by the Govt. was unavoidable. Inmates of that Masjid, had repeatedly violated the law of the land through a series of illegal and immoral activities, thereby challenging the writ of the State. They were repeatedly warned to mend their ways, but to no avail. Besides creating serious law and order situation, their hooliganism was earning bad name for the country and it’s Govt., nationally and inter-nationally. Protracted negotiations carried out with the clerics of Lal Masjid proved futile owing to rigid and non- conciliatory attitude of the die- hard mullahs. Govt. had to take action as a last resort as no other option was left.
In chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry’s case, a reference was filed by the President with the Supreme Judicial Council involving C.J.’s misconduct concerning illegitimate favours doled out to his son. The reference was in order legally but the case was not properly handled. The lapse provided the politicized lawyers an opportunity to resort to strike and indulge in street agitation and boycott the courts. The reference in question was turned down by a bench of the Supreme Court, but they failed to deliver a detailed judgement in support of their ruling in the case. This queer and uncharitable attitude of the Court is incomprehensible. The lawyers’ movement was soon high jacked by the Opposition, spearheaded by Muslim League (Nawaz).The event led to politicization of the legal community including the superior judiciary.
Other important allegations levelled against Pervez Musharraf are: promulgation of PCO and NRO in November, 2007. Issuance of PCO was un-constitutional and was admitted so by the President himself and was, later on rescinded. In respect of NRO, according to press reports, it was issued as a result of understanding reached between President Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto; but latter’s sudden assassination, torpedoed the whole scheme. The funny thing about said NRO is, that those who had criticized Musharraf before February,18 elections, for not allowing the self-exiled leaders to return and participate in elections, are now criticizing him for letting these failed politicians back (because of said NRO) , after seeing their disappointing performance from February, 18 onwards.
After having dwelt on the negative aspects related to the subject under review, let us now turn to its positive side;
When Pervez Musharraf took over in 1999, the economy of the country was in real bad shape, so much so, that the previous Govt. had gone to the extent of begging money from the masses under, ”Mulk Sawaro, Qarz Utaro” Scheme. However, there is no trace available, where all those donations disappeared. Foreign exchange reserves with the Govt., were hardly enough to pay for six weeks’ imports and the country was on the verge of being declared a failed state. Musharraf took up the challenge and managed the economy so deftly and speedily that within few years, Pakistan accumulated $ 16.7 billion reserves; exports exceeded $ 17 billion; home remittances by expatriates surged to 6 billion and there was no longer any dependence on international donors. In short, within a span of 7 years, Musharraf transformed the sagging economy of Pakistan into one of the most robust emerging economies of the region. It is agreed on all hands, that his foremost contribution to Pakistan is his economic reforms that brought remarkable stability to the country. Under his stewardship, record number of projects were started and completed. The I.T. and Communication Revolution, goes to his credit. Being a visionary, he brought about a revolution in the higher education sector where budget that was reeling at Rs. 200 million in 1999, touched a record ceiling of Rs. 20 billion in 2007. It is worth mentioning that during his tenure, Pakistan got rid of the I.M.F. and its rating improved considerably as also acknowledged by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. No doubt, certain imbalances also crept in at the far end of his tenure, due mainly to world-wide food inflation and constant rise in international oil prices and partly due to lapse on the part of our administration in controlling hoarding and smuggling of food items.
Syed Jawaid Iqbal, Chairman, C.M.C, in an interview (courtesy, Pakistan Observer, dated-23-9-2009), said, that he had interviewed Pervez Musharraf on his resuming office of the Chief Executive of Pakistan. He says that on the eve of his conducting the interview, he was told by the then Information Minister, Javed Jabbar, that there would be no advance briefing or questions. He was given free hand to ask whatever he wanted to, on any subject or issue. This was an amazing stance which made Jawaid Iqbal respect Musharraf immensely. He stated that those who know Musharraf personally, respect him for his statesmanship, conviction, nationalism and above all, his selflessness towards Pakistan. Jawaid further says that Musharraf has a charismatic personality, and courage to say “no” even at some of the most crucial junctures.
While Musharraf may be called a “dictator”, it is his democratic policies that have made the maximum contribution to his un–popularity. For instance, he gave the media its long awaited freedom. The media while using its unbridled freedom, found an easy target in a tolerant and democratic minded military ruler. The sold-out media that he opened up to show his dedication to the cause of democracy, chose him to be its favourite target. He is patriot to the core and is not corrupt like most politicians and previous rulers. He is a visionary leader and World acknowledges this fact. World’s top universities and fora invite him to deliver lectures at their venues. He has created a sense of patriotism in the country and his slogan “Pakistan First” is a clear manifestation of that. He is a tolerant person and believes in freedom of speech as duly exhibited by him during his tenure. His sterling qualities are; his humility and frankness. He has tackled national problems admirably.
At present, he is the only living Pakistani leader known the World over and is held in high esteem. He speaks in unequivocal terms and has the courage of conviction. He is the only “dictator” to have fulfilled his promises he made:–shedding of uniform, lifting of emergency, holding of free and fair elections and unconditional acceptance of election results. Unlike the past elections, no one has complained about “rigged” or” engineered” elections. He is also credited with setting up the freest media in Pakistan’s history. Lastly, he got himself elected under the same democratic rules that he gave his adversaries to come up through.
As elaborated above, Pervez Musharraf has done so much for Pakistan, as nobody before him had done, rather he left each of them far behind. The irony is, how the nation has rewarded its benefactor. At a time, when Pakistan has reached a critical stage, in as much as, it has been declared one of the failed states of the World due to un-precedented melt down in its economy and dismal performance in other sectors, look at Nawaz Sharif, who is bent upon avenging his defeat at Musharraf’s hands unmindful of the fact that he himself was solely responsible for the dastardly act that he enacted on October 12, 1999. To-day, it seems that the entire political system is hostage to one man’s revenge. For the ruling junta, particularly Nawaz Sharif, there has been left no other problem to tackle except to persecute Pervez Musharraf. Prudence demands from all of us that we put aside our personal differences and acrimonies and unite, to face and overcome the grave challenges that the nation is facing, internally and externally. That seems to be the only way out of the present all encompassing crises, which is getting worse with each passing day.
adab arz.co.uk
Trackback URL
|
|
|
This is a great article and another eye-opener for the Musharraf Basher.
The PML N is fearing that if Musharraf comes in politics; their politics will end same time. They know majority of Pakistanis support Musharraf and his policies. Same way all big channels like GEo, Ary, AAj etc are supporting PML N point of view either they too scared of Musharraf or took money from Nawaz Sharif.
Look how openly/shamelessly and with complete partiality the anchors(Hamid Mir, Kamran Khan, Massod, Kashif Abbasi, Ansar Abbasi, Talst Hussain etc) of these channels are propagating Nawaz Sharif stance against Musharraf.
Shame on all of them!
What ever people take it as personal vendetta of sharif but all literate class is in favour of musharf’s trial to at least put some hurdle in the ways of army toward civilian govts.
Atizaz, Bazinjo, dr musbasahr,achkazi. imran khan, top achors of country, retired bureaucrats and even some ret generals have no history of personal enmity with him but they also demanded same kind of actions against him as a clear signal to confine COAS to remain in the range of GHQ and army house.In Rawalpindi area who set the distance of 4 to 5 km between army house and GHQ would have been very wise man as this should be range of an army chief to think only for guarding his nation instead of covering the distance of 20 to 30 kms toward capital,More the distance the chief make up toward civilian govt more his capability as guardian of country elapse.We have seen live examples of this collapse of national duties in all martial laws and wrong involvement of uniform men in state matters.
Kargal war, Dr. Qadeer Khan’s case and participation in War on Terrorism ,lal masjid case, illigtimate attack on bugti, Declaration of NRO,impostion of emergency 2007, house arrest of country’s judges without fulfilling legal formalities are put into list the punishable crimes of general musarf that should be prosecuted on immediate basis otherwise this gini of army estabishement will again come out of bottle after regaining some strength from international powers to whom he is moving here and there for justifying his acts of treason to please his super master.
Every body in favor of musharf take the minor case of CJP son in his undue posting but no body has seen the million dollars deals of musharf son in saudia under foreign office and in construction business in Pakistan.Mangla resort is an open example of transferring the project to his son under the supervision of Malik riaz and all knows his son earned billions from one of many projects was handed over to him due to influence of his father.
According to Former Quetta corps commander Lt. General (retired) Tariq Pervez, General Musharraf, had already made up his mind to overthrow the Nawaz Sharif Government well before the drama staged on 12 Oct 1999.
Well written
All nothing but the facts
The voice of 51% of Pakistanis comparing with 7.3% Nawaz Sharif’’s supporters
Yes it is true, Nawaz has only 7.3% supporters in the whole country.
Then why he has more seats in the Punjab province then other parties? to check with the analysis log on to http://www.bhagobachotv.com
Did you know ? from the beginning of Nawaz Sharif’s political career, he was the favorite lad of a true criminal dictator.
He is the so-called son of a killer “Zia”
He has certainly promoted hate and violence in the country and also brought sectarian clashes.
He did rob poor pakistanis and the state by billions
Every single day his MNA’s and MPA’s are beating ,killing and committing frauds as well(go to you tube and watch videos)
How could he support the liberty of judiciary system when himself attacked on Supreme Court.
He is bribing the media heavily to expose Nawaz a hero and treason trial for Musharraf.
But, in spite of all this, still there are millions who know the truth , write and spread the truth.
Hi Khokar,
In this whole cacophony, i find only MQMs Altaf shwoing wisdom. He has asked for forgiveness of all those involved in 1992 operation including Nawz and ISI and asked for setting up of TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION.
He is the only one asking about balochistan reconcilation.That is why he is kept out of country by Interested parties.
Johann @ 6
I smash and ruin, XYZ’s car and run away. The next day XYZ issues a statement that “i XYZ, forgive Capt. Johann for smashing my car. I forgive and forget ” Does it make sense?
for almost 20 years MQM and Altaf hussain have been crying the Nasser ullah Babar of PPP killed MQM people for which Babar earned the name “Butcher of karachi”. Now one fine day altaf hussain forgives nawaz sharif for babar’s crimes. Is this wisdom? do not forget that altaf was partner with nawaz in 1997. and partner in government since 2002. why he not call investigation then?
Altaf hussain is making calls to call APC on baluchistan, if he is serious why doesent he takes the first step and calls APC? He was a partner of mush when bughti was killed, if he is so concerned about Baluchustan why he not condem mush for killing an improtant regional leader. ? all he ever does is make telephone calls, and people say that girls are very fond of making phone calls
a little hind sight: he is just trying to divert attention from mush’s trial
Khokar says
As elaborated above, Pervez Musharraf has done so much for Pakistan, as nobody before him had done, rather he left each of them far behind.
he then continued his statement wiht such words
when Pakistan has reached a critical stage, in as much as, it has been declared one of the failed states of the World due to un-precedented melt down in its economy and dismal performance.
Is it confession of Musharf services for his nation which he left far behind?
We consider it like that as you said
You are an ex army officer and know very well that any organized and stable system cant collapse in few months or a year and independent of strong lengthy leadership.
You can see in our system that British mode of system is still existing around us as it had foreseeable capacity since the time of its execution.Their mode of construction of roads,railway tracks, design of buildings, yearly planning of education and spacious building of historical school colleges, integrated capacity of public hospitals are still showing the capability of managers.
So giving you this example I want to show you that your acknowledgment of Pakistan as failed state within 1 year is itself showing us Fairness of pervaiz musharf and his regime.
I have already given the details of huge money supply in our country in all martial law periods from US and its associated companies to facilitate the war game by keeping rulers busy in money laundering ways.The day dictator sees falling , the withdrawal of money also start leaving behind high inflation rate for common people and converting generals, bureaucrats and some selected political leaders to become richest people of Pakistan.
This is our history for last 60 years.
First time nation realized that they should nip the evil from the bud and then go for further modification in political system.This is called fairness with one’ s country.
Sharif has still no capacity to create disturbance in the already shattered system he is just keeping him under public perceptions and trying to raise his head on the blunders of ruling group. So no need to worry about him.More NRO people will make mismanagement, his height will be increased.
So you should bury your high sentiments on fairness of musharf as he left his seat(grabbed for extra 5 years) in fear of impeachment and left country to avoid cases of extra judicial killing, violation of constitution like that crimes.
Political system has not been hostage for sharif but it is NRO team and president who is still holding all powers of musharf in his hand and only difference of name is seen, otherwise almost all kind of polices are same as being done in Musharf regime.
Musharf has gone but left a corrupt and suspicious past with lot of flaws have been observed now.
That is why people are calling him for accountability and it should be make workable so that our future rulers should be alert before taking this seat and take decisions that favor people of Pakistan and not the few individuals.This is demand of era and we must follow it.
Dear Muhammad Ali Sajjad,
There are number of points raised by you which reflects that somehow a huge Civil- Military divide is existence at this time and space that Pakistan is confronted with— which I must say that this divide is Not there. Why don’t we realise that military has since handed over and it is but required that now we move forward. Some of the people might have come up on top by accident but the circumstances demand that we must show an magnanimity and taking it as our blessings that rein of government is in civilian hands——–all Pakistanis have to make an earnest effort to make Pakistan a better world for us.
We know that although some of political parties like PML-N and their cohort are sticking to their venomous rhetoric for their political gains that in order to take revenge, Musharraf then in 1999 toppled their government and that he must be punished through a selective trial under article 6 of the constitution. They think that it will make him as ‘Nishaan e Ibrat’ for others. Ironically Article 6 when applied does not restrict itself to minus one of Musharraf only but certainly brings in fold all others abettor, supporters and all others who validated his 1999 action. We know that 1999 action was a bigger action than subsequent promulgation of emergency in November 2007. In any case 1999 action was carried out in response to PM Nawaz Sharif action which itself is an act of treason.
I would like to draw your kind attention to an article of Lt Gen Tallat Masood giving a true insight of current situation and he says: that in order to attract public attention, some of the military retired officers ‘while narrating the past episodes went ballistic and the media relished it. This interestingly brought into sharp focus the gross meddling of army in politics, exposed bankruptcy of the political elite and, in the process, paradoxically showed these very officers in an extremely bad light. The question is, how do we proceed from here to correct the nation’s course?
The talk of ‘minus-one’ formula, poor governance, pervasive corruption, the parliamentarians’ lack of interest in legislation and the military dominating foreign and defence policies are clear evidence that Pakistan’s political culture and civil- military relations remain frozen. Despite agreement on the charter of democracy and brave talk of our leaders of taking revenge, the situation has not changed much. The overall spread of radicalism, threat from Taliban militant entities, especially those in FATA, and its linkages with terrorism coupled with an economy in deep distress are serious threats that cannot be under-estimated. Moreover, the whole world is today concerned about the stability and security of Pakistan.
In an awakened Pakistan, there is no scope for military take-over but it is equally true that there is no space for politics without accountability and good governance. What good is a democratic government that falls prey to cartels and denies its people essentials such as atta and sugar?
Khokar you rightly said that What good is a democratic government that falls prey to cartels and denies its people essentials such as atta and sugar?
But even that doesn’t justified coup d etats
Dear Khokhar
The supposedly million dollar question you are facing on how to move forward has a simple answer:
Make sure NO ONE steals our right to self rule
How can we do that? Well you may not like the answer so lets leave it.
Khokhar, in my first comment i have already said that despite of all these facts , there is nothing i am assuming everything is poven and on the record, you will chose to ignore the facts and look the other way. The way where GM cant be held answerable.
Ignorance is a bliss.
Enjoy your blessing.
Best Regards
Pure copyrights violations by Mr. Khokhar. Original writer of this article is my Mr. Ahmed Subhani who recently wrote this article on Pakistandesk website.
http://pakistandesk.com/?p=2348
Uzma Shah,
# 12
This was very much republished in Adab arz.co.uk with Ahmed subhani name and Pak Alert Press reference that they do allow to republish as long as their reference is given. The same was also provided to TPS when this article was submitted including links and reference. But probably due over sight or spam fear— TPS did not print the references and it is appeared in A Khokar name.
Anyhow adab arz .co.uk reference is given above.
#3 Nazia,
Can you tell me and all what have Musharraf done was for himself or for PAKISTAN?
AOM
Read dr Ayesha book on page 192 and you would get the details of his assets in which his latest chak shezad and UK residence were no included. I have recently given the little detail of business ventures of his son in his tenure and both are now enjoying western life as richest Pakistanis.
I have clearly pointed out his crime list which would be prosecuted in coming time as nation has got her track.No matters how mismanagement would be created by NRO govt or hiow much dead flies like brig Imtiaz and javaid of ISI reopen past , this law march has started now so get ready and try to give some courage pill or energy drink to your all time lover.This is best moment he need your love.
By the way you know my answers well about him so why you want to hear these perilous charges against him by me again and again.
believe me he has lost his repute, his courage and his character now only thing left in his hand is his huge bank balance which he surely earned beyond his range.
OH sorry he still has some lovers like you who are waiting for him to come back and face the reality.
Dear Nazia,
# 9
A building may take years to build but it may take just few minutes to raze it to ground. Likewise dacoit may get booty worth millions in hand but it may not last with them for more than couple of days.
Any how this is known phenomena that—–anything which one gets without pains bears no value. At the time of hand over we have got reserves of some 16 Billion dollars and long ago have also said good bye to IMF. The new comers just took few months to goof up the entire reserves; they say ; maal e muft— dilay bay rehm.
But here we have got something different on our minds——–the sole idea of new comers has been to discredit the out gone regime and till today this exercise has not been let off. Why so because we have not learnt the basic manners to say thank you to some one. I know of a old professor who daily crosses a bridge to come to shopping centre and every time he passes the bridge;– Stops there and says thank you to bridge. It may look funny but it does carry an amazing—- wisdom in it.
Remember when year back we were discussing the Economy of disasters; a special doctrine initiated in President Nixon time by a man known as Milton Friedman and his team called —-Chicago boys. It was tried and tested in chilly through US proxy General Augusto Pinochet, president of Chile and I said that same chapter is opened up here.
All the artificial crises like shortage of Atta, sugar and petrol in the country as well as shortage of electricity ——-plus unending maligning campaign since launched against the gone out regime———– all are the ditto actions prescribed in the Doctrine of disaster…… People should be pushed to the extent that they forget all about bye gone good days and beg for some relief—–that is the time that when new comers may come and give out their new plan with full throttle—-more easily.
Please go through those article, here on TPS:
After Iraq: Manual of ‘Chicago Doctrine’ is opened in Pakistan—part -1
And
After Iraq: Manual of ‘Chicago Doctrine’ is opened in Pakistan—part 2
Both were published on 8th and 11th of June 2008 respectively.
I think there is need that essential points of same be published again.
Regards
The Doctrine of Disaster being practice in Pakistan.
Link references:
After Iraq: Manual of ‘Chicago Doctrine’ is opened in Pakistan part 1 and 2.
http://www.pakspectator.com/after-iraq-manual-of-chicago-doctrine-is-opened-in-pakistan/
http://www.pakspectator.com/after-iraq-manual-of-chicago-doctrine-is-opened-in-pakistan-part-2/
khokar
you blend different incidents and try to bring conclusion on the same point.Theoretically you might be right but the person who is watching realities step wise cant focus on one point for man made mismanagement.
As per modern rules of management, failures are process of wrong planning, hiring of incompetent personals on important key positions, favoring strong and criminal characters for strengthening long tenure and illegitimate governance,
Musharf basically lost his game as he allowed US to conduct their war games in our territory.Our people are only reactive when you breached into their houses other wise different poor management shocks are easily absorbed by our majority.
You can see that zardari govt is giving us very hard times in all ways but people are not gathering against him as we saw at the time of lawyers movement or attack on lal mosque.
So they are reacting on individual basis due to lack of credible leadership and presence of foreign elements are still dominating among us and our masses are not so strong to topple the corrupt govt through their real power.
You say in another article
We can very well visualize that how Pakistan has been shocked by the man made crisis initiated prior to Elections (in interim government days); with in few months through an economic shock and Judicial turmoil a prosperous flourishing country has since been turned into impoverished one. Stock Markets are experiencing the crashes on daily basis. There are shortages of commodities across the board, infested with hyper inflation. People spend their days lined up in queues under scorching heat for a bag of wheat flour or tin of cooking oil. Suicides are at increase.
Man made crises like power shortages, flour crisis and long queues of people for getting commodities you mentioned are from govt side.
Stock market crash are game of money lords running the govt indirectly.
lawyers movement and suicide are reaction of group and people toward ruling groups.
So I again say musahrf and any other dictator never assume that they are becoming obsolete or not in position to handle the crisis as super powers behind them give them energy drink of dollar colas and they think they will remain powerful without apprehending the changes going on around them.
So In all dictators’ rules this dollar cola is supplied for timely and short term economic balloon which just collapse in few months as it has no foundation.it is also demand of super powers to lay the foundation free structure in our country so at the time of chaos they wipe off their crimes.
Musharf and zardari both are sweepers of super powers just cleansing and justifying wrong acts of US and in return they get huge money for their next kins and safe foreign exiles by leaving behind chaos like situation.
This is what happening around us for last 40 years.