Adil Najam
Rumors of a ‘deal’ between PPP leader Benazir Bhutto and Gen. Pervez Musharraf have been rife for a long time. All indications now suggest that a deal of some sort has, in fact, been reached.
The ferocity with which the rumors are being denied - with obvious insincerity - suggests that something is afoot. The question is, exactly what.
There is little utility, it seems to us, to indulge any further in the speculation than people already are. The much more important question is what - if anything - will such a deal mean for Pakistan and for democracy in Pakistan.
Will it make things better? Will it make things worse? Will things remain as they have always been and this will simply be one more round in the ‘great game’ of musical chairs that has always been Pakistan politics?
That is the question for our new ATP Poll (see top of middle column). Let us know what you think, and why? With your vote in the poll and with your comments below.
this is for sure that without some sort of a deal between the mainstream political parties and the military, there is not going to be any change in the political scenario, unless musharraf does a ziaul haq and disappears. maybe benazir is trying to do what she did to GIK. it remains to be seen if she can do it this time. as far as corruption is concerned we are all corrupt, so lets not worry about it!!!!
Yet again”Hum Daikhain Gay” appropriate here.
Jiyala, I appreciate your laying out your argument. But have to disagree. I think it will make things WORSE because if this happens then people will loose whatever little confidence they have in democracy and political process. It will be another victory for military because it will say, “see, this is what your politicians are like?”
If the politicians don’t take a stand for politics then what will they stand up for!
I guess you will call me a Jiyala, but I think a a deal with be good because:
1. It means that the military has accepted primacy of political parties.
2. It is a victory for politics and the political, even if not a full victory yet.
3. It will dilute Musharraf’s power and increase the parliaments.
4. It will move country back to return to full participation by all political parties.
5. This not ideal and complete victory for democracy but it is a step in that direction. And that is important.
Benazir and Nawaz are both hopeless. Though mine is an outsider’s view. But I remember in my childhood when Benazir appeared on the scene, there was so much expectation here also.
‘The daughter of East’ and books with similar titles in Urdu, Hindi were selling like hotcakes in India. Once she came to power, soon all the hope faded away.
Why don’t you people give Imran Khan a chance. At least, he would not be corrupt. Kya khayaal hai?
[quote comment=”44079″]inviting a known,proven corrupt person to take over the country…
I am surprised “it will make things better” is even a part of this poll[/quote]
What on earth do you think Musharraf is if not a known, proven corrupt person who has invited the Taliban in and hastened Pakistan’s demise……..Democracy will always make things better - just look at India. Please use your intellect and do not follow the usual middle-class Anti-democracy part line. Pakistan has grown richer under Mush - but as usual it is only the rich and middle-classes have benefited.
bhindigosht, I agree with your comments. Chaudhry Shuj is under illusion that Benazir would compromise principles to get power. I hope the report in DAWN is hundred per cent correct.
This is further to my post few minutes ago.
Benazir is a seasoned politician and has inherited PPP from her father who chose to die rather than to compromise on his principle. The interest in deal or no deal shown by the people living in Pakistan and abroad clearly shows the importance of the party which is still one of the most popular political parties.
[quote post=”663″]Benazir[/quote]
, I am sure, knows very well that it was the military who was responsible for dismemberment of the country and it was the military who sent her father gallows with the help of subservient judiciary at that time. It is the military who has deposed a popularly elected government of Nawaz Sharif and it was the military who was instrumental in sacking her government.
The times have changed. The judiciary is struggling to recover their independence. Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry’s courageous stand against the General and Generals will change the landscape of the politics of the country.
Musharraf has no option but to remove his khaki and pack to go into exile.