Adil Najam
I was in Chicago all weekend for Human Development Foundation (HDF) of North America’s Convention celebrating the HDF’s 10 years of service. It was an intellectually stimulating event with a host of thoughtful presentations various issues related to Pakistan’s development coming from Dr. Tariq Banuri, Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, Dr. Sania Nishtar, Arshed Bhatti (’Civil Junction’ Cafe), Zobaida Jalal (Minister of Social Welfare), Ahmed Bilal Mehboob (PILDAT), Khalid Mirza (former SEC Chairman), Nasir Ali Shah Bukhari (KASB), Dr. Nadeem ul Haque (PIDE), Beena Sarwar, Munizae Jehangir (NDTV), Ethan Casey (PakCast), Syed Talat Hussain (Aaj TV), and others. The event also featured the music of Josh, Munni Begum and Jawad and the poetry of Ahmed Faraz.
As interesting as the formal presentations were the many many side conversations amongst the participants. The current political situation in Pakistan, including Elections 2007, were a hot topic. I learnt much in talking on this to people like Syed Talat Hussain from Aaj TV, Ahmed Bilal Mehboob of PILDAT who had been instrumental in getting the ‘open letter’ to Gen. Musharraf written, and also with Ahmed Faraz. On the elections question the common response was that ‘anything could happen’ and it is no longer clear what is most likely to happen, or even if elections would be held.
I was reminded of my conversation with Imran Khan last year where he had said that the 2007 elections would ‘either be like 1970 or like 1977.’ That may still be true; but it would depend on whether elections happen at all. What do you think? Will they?
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@ shahran asim:
the links you mentioned are not working.
could you please post the correct links again?
thanks :)
SJH >Dil mein ik lei see uthee hai abhee, Koi taaza hawa chalee hai abhee
With due apologies, lei = lehr as per Nasir Kazmi as far as I recollect. Yes, Lei is what the military dictators have made of the civil institutions
Interesting that you chose this ghazal in the current context. After watching Musharaf’s interview with Talat Hussain on AAJ TV, another line from the same ghazal that seems appropriate is , kuch to naazuk mizaaj hain hum bhee
The general does protest too much, me thinks. He goes on and on about doing everything according to consitution and then an after-thought saying that he may revert to extra-consitutional measures.
And this one takes the cake. Since he has made promises that he has broken in the past, therefore he had decided not to make any promises.
Maybe it is just me but I thought he was very nervous during the interview. Kudos to Talat Hussain for a brilliant interview.
We have a corrupt top army brass. (people working as army contractors know)
We have the most corrupt politicians.(see what happened to this country during democracy after Zia)
We have the most hippocratic religious leaders.(match their previous claims with today’s)
We have the most corrupt bureacracy.(people dealing with Govt departments know)
We as a nation are corrupt. It is only a power game, whoever wins or loses the person on the top would be corrupt no matter what.
So anybody knows who is the lesser evil??
I have no hopes for this country.
Gen. Musharaf will do as required by USA to safeguard interests so will be policy here in pakistan
I had thought that Musharraf was smart enough to quit at first evidence of popular movement against him. Sadly I think he will continue to cling to power until shown the way out by the army.
Having witnessed the style of various political leaders in Pakistan my guess is that the first casualty of the return to democracy will be the free press and electronic media.
Some interesting readings today:-
After completing his arguments before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Mr. Ahsan told the presiding justice, Khalilur Rahman Ramday, that he had filed the affidavit. Mr. Ramday replied, “You should not have done that.�
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/30/world/asia/30pak istan.html
Another report from Economist Business Asia intelligence unit: 4 possible scenarios in post-Musharraf period
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=3741 41&sid=SAS&ssid=
Those of us who believe that the cultural, religious, and ethnic diversities are our strength .And someday Pakistan will emerge as a tolerant society, thriving democracy and prosperous country. they should not be pessimistic.So keep hoping, keep dreaming. Let me end with beautiful sher of Faraz.
Shekaayate shabe tarik see to behter tha
Apney hessey kee koi shamma jla ley jatey
Sahar, you say Imran han is “corrupt”? How? He has many problems but I have never heard any charge of his being corrupt, how?
Prez. Musharaff is the Best for Pakistan’s future.
There have been so many improvements under him. I can’t see why people have any problems with him.
Yes there may be some unsolved problems but you can’t change everything. He has done alot for Pakistan and I am sure he is willing to do anything for the well-being for Pakistan. How does anyone know that the elections have been “staged” or “fixed” have you been there your selves and witnessed it being done??
Imran Khan is so corrupt, he just wants his ten seconds of fame, he won’t do anything as president. I’m sure of it. Musharaff is deffinetly better than Zia. Who could of handled Bush better? If it was someone else Pakistan would of been in the same state as Iraq and Afghanistan. And NO president Musharaff is not opposed by everyone.
Obviously there is a difference between Napoleon’s time and 2007 Pakistan. People were longing for a free France they were tired of all the wars going on. The revolution was for change, to bring about more freedom. And infact freedom has been brought to Pakistan. If Musharaff was an over ruling dictator he wouldn’t let talk shows discuss things against him, he wouldn’t allow freedom of speech. People tend to look at the more negative things than the positive. It’s human nature but what can I say people have to open there eyes and look at some of the positive things for once.