Adil Najam
Since yesterday the “I” word - impeachment - has begun to be thrown around a lot.
Some quarters seem to think that it just happen this time. Others suggest that it is more talk than action and the numbers needed to pull this are still not there.
Coming out of the “critical” Nawaz Sharif-Asif Zardari meetings one keeps wondering how much of this is an effort to keep the coalition going and how much is a real push to change the essential political equations of Pakistan. There are reports that Gen. Musharraf is taking this move seriously enough to cancel his trip to China (to attend the Olympics opening ceremony). On the other hand some of Gen. Musharraf’s supporters are claiming that no such cancellation has happened. We do know, however, that he is taking this challenge seriously and lining up his supporters.
All in all, there is too much noise to say what is happening. But something is clearly happening. Does the PPP-PML(N) have the numbers they need to go ahead? Does the President have the numbers he needs to stop it? And what of all the external actors and where they may lean, why and for what?
Interestingly, we had run a ATP Poll back in June asking you what you thought would have happened to Gen. Musharraf by October 2008? The majority (38%) had thought that he would be impeached by then. A significant number (31%) thought that by October 2008 we woudl be still muddling through as we are now.
We do not intend to open the Poll again, but it does seem that either of those two answers could turn out to be true again. Indeed, even our earlier Poll on the subject, from October 2007, may still be relevant in its results!
So, since we can’t make full sense of exactly what all of this adds up to, we thought we woudl ask our best source: You. What do you think? What is happening? What might happen? And why?
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We have definitely made a wrong choice by voting for this government. I hope this government is over thrown by the President who is by the constitution of Pakistan, president for next four years.
NB:Justice Iftikhar took oath under PCO where as existing Judges have taken oath under the constitution and Musharaf will definitely have support from Army if something happens. The only reason army and Musharaf are quiet is to let nation see what mess this government creates.
The current government cannot impeach Musharaf, It will be a different story if Musharaf walks away himself. That will be a sad day, he has fought and bled for his nation during his service. The only reason he will walk away will be if he is hopeless for Pakistan.
Sami-ul-Haq from Mardan:- The current government will be packed up by the President General Pervez Musharraf. He won’t be stepped down unitil completion of his tenure. He is a constitutional President and have taken all the steps in the best interest of Pakistan.
PURI QOAM KA NARA
SADAR MUSHARRAF
SADAR HAMARA
Thank you Abdullah very much for your comments and for President Musharraf’s official website, which I am already aware of.
To begin with President’s resignation, I feel when he hasn’t done something wrong then why be afraid of the impeachment. As for the country’s economy, my friend you can look back at those wonderful 8 years where Pakistan’s economy had flourished to its peak. Pakistan had become an attractive destination for investment due to its liberal and investment-friendly policies, billions of dollars were pouring into the country. A great deal of order, sense and stability was introduced by President Musharraf and, as a result, Pakistan started to surge ahead.
Pakistan, once again is in the hands of corrupt, power hungry and reckless politicians. Let’s not forget both the PPP and the PML -N have served the nation twice leaving the country bankrupt. We have had enough!! with both of them. President Musharraf should not give up to the criminals who looted this country ruthlessly in the past and are ready to do it yet again by using the democratic system.
At this time, what is best for Pakistan? Musharraf’s leadership – we have no other leader of better ability and stature.
A few folks here are condemning Musharraf for doing his job in killing terrorists in Lal Masjid, FATA and Baluchistan. I ask such people, is the current govt any different? or do you think the govt should just sit idly by while terrorists smash Pakistan to bits?
You mean that first thing Justice Iftikhar Chaudary after restoration is going to do is catch musharaf by his **lls and penalize him for all his misdeeds since 12th October, 1999. Furthermore, do we think that Aitazaz will let musharaf go so easily after he restores the judiciary.
Lets think of some plausible and palpable suggestion to ease out musharaf’s agony. (fauji ha baba muft main mara jai ga koi aachi se salah do)
I like the idea from leagaleagal.
Musharraf should first restore the judges, then repeal the NRO and then resign. That would give the country an honest clean start. Musharraf will be OUT. Zardari will be OUT. Sharif will be OUT.
Maybe then we can get somewhere.
Mushahid Hussain Syed has made an excellent suggestion to President Musharraf;
RESTORE the Judges
ABOLISH the NRO
RESIGN
Viola…..hum tai dubay gay sanam parr tum ko bhi lay dubay gay!
This would be an excellent move to bring to the book the criminal likes of ZARDARI and NAWAZ SHARIF. They should not be allowed to escape their fate this time!
amber@
Musharaf may have been a good president, an excellent usurper, a bloody dictator and a mastermind manipulator but please let him leave the country’s presidency now. He has ruled for more than eight years and has done havoc with the country. Of course no one forgets his sentimental national address of 12th October, 1999 and tracing him to the present, musharaf has proved to be a magnificent liar who is bent upon sticking to the president’s seat no matter what.
I believe that musharaf has very special secrets in his bag against Zardari especially and Sharif Butt as well but creating a drama like that is not going to help. (making a laughing stalk in front of the world) and ofcourse he has to go.
Zardari and Sharif Butt are compulsive thieves, no complain from them. Both have their needs to fulfill. Zardari ofcourse mr. 10% and Sharif with no brains at all are in the political arena right now. I hate both of these as much as any one else but do we have a choice. NO
Zardari has his PPPP and Sharif his PML(N) both with a considerable majority in the parliament as well as in the provincial assemblies. Lets give them a chance. Good or bad this present assembly should complete its tenure to keep the wheel of democracy rolling.
Credit certainly goes to musharaf for holding the elections after five years and thus setting the stage for democracy in its true sense in Pakistan.
If the present assembly completes its five years then one can confidently say that Pakistan is on its way to restoration of democracy.
So lets all of us make it a point to email a message to musharaf to leave the president’s seat for his benefit and for the greater benefit of the country.
This address is his official address please tell him to go now.
P.S Yaro yeh na likhna “lagay raho munna bahi”
http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentM essage.aspx