Adil Najam
Noises drenched in that uniquely Pakistani mix of rumor, spin, speculation, and analysis suggest that something is afoot in Army House, Rawalpindi. Some suggest that spurred from the US as well as the new political dispensation in Pakistan, but largely because of their own accord, the military leadership is finally ready to ease Gen. Musharraf not only out of Army House, but also out of the Presidency. Official spokesmen, of course, deny this vehemently. Which, given that this is Pakistan, adds an added layer of authenticity to the rumors.
It is time, once again, to wonder what lies in the future of Pakistan.
Although October 2007 now feels like another era, we had asked some similar questions then. At that point we had wondered about the future of Pakistan’s politics (for the next year) in light of the possibility of Gen. Musharraf doffing his uniform. Our readers’ responses had been mostly on the mark - most of you had predicted a year of increased political turbulence and a curtailing of Gen. Musharraf’s influence. Of course, the year is not up yet and anything could well happen between now and October 2008.
The record of our readers in the last ATP Poll we did - on the future of the PML(N)-PPP coalition - was a little less stellar. Most had thought that the coalition would weather the judicial storm. As it turned out, the coalition fell even before the Poll ended.
So, what do you think lies in Gen. Musharraf’s future between now and October 2008. Has anything changed since the last poll? What? Do vote and do share your views in the comments section.
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Since October 2007 till now and over the span of last few years, during the tenure of musharraf’s government, the citizens of Pakistan underwent the series of mayhems comprising suicidal attacks, consequences of judicial demonstrations, dramatic price hikes, prejudicial politics and many others. Musharraf’s policies were failed, and seems incapable to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan even after having the military operations in the most sensitive regions of pakistan. The optimum way outs have almost finished but of the musharraf’s goodbye to presidential office. From the prevailing government one can intuitively understand the difference between Democracy and Autocracy. Let’s deprive musharraf’s intervention in the state affairs by putting the utmost pressures on him to vacate the president’s office.
Gen. Musharraf’s present as well as his future has now become irrelevant to Pakistan. He has been sidelined and whether he stays or not now matters little because he is no longer the one with the real power. The real power is with Army, Zardari and USA. None of them now need Musharraf.
musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf musharraf !
do you Pakistanis have ANYTHING else to talk about ?
e m sure tat majority of the Pakistanis haven’t lost temper, what the politics of Pakistan suggests at mean time is “the survival of president ”
cramming democracy is not the solution but practical is needed. Mr Zardari is amazing…. it is true that “A dog which u r
feeding with ur hand finally cuts the hand” real crisis will start right after the exit of president.
He is a battle hardened soldier. Don’t forget he is more competent a politician than, well, all of them. He will come come through it with flying colors.
I assume you are asking what WILL happen to Gen Musharraf rather than what SHOULD happen to him?
I think what is likely to happen is that he will middle through. Personally I would prefer a different outcome but I think that is what will happen.
@ Kruman
Couldn’t have said it any better. Khas kam jahan paak.
I think this poll options are a bit biased…. I don’t believe all Pakistanis see Musharraf the same way as these pictures depict…. He should stay for the larger interest of the nation.