Adil Najam
The two videos attached below – one of a student speaking at a student convention presided over by Gen. Pervez Musharraf and the second of an MNA speaking in the National Assembly during the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz – have recently been floating around over email on Pakistani lists.
[Thanks to Eidee Man for alerting us to this new version of the first video which includes Gen. Musharraf’s Response to the student’s speech. Even if you have seen the student’s speech already, the response is worth listening to.]
While the remarks from Muslim League (N) MNA Khawaja Asif is less surprising (especially since it came right after Nawab Akbar Bugti’s death and during a no-confidence motion) the speech from the student (Syed Adnan Kakakhel) is much more of a surprise. Gen. Musharraf listens intently, takes notes, and seems engaged. Indeed, as you can now see from his response (later in the video) the speech certainly got to Gen. Musharraf. He responds at length – including on the military rule and Balochistan issues.
I should also add that this event was organized by the government itself and also note that Adnan Kakakhel was awarded the second prize in the speech contest and also that this was telecast over Pakistan Television.
Whether you are a government opponent (i.e., this shows the depth of people’s frustration with the current order), a cynic (i.e., such talk is tolerated because everyone knows it will make no difference), or a government supporter (i.e., this proves that this government has given people real democracy and freedom of speech), you should celebrate these videos for what they are: a demonstration that political thought is alive and well in Pakistan (irrespective of whether you believe its content to be righteous or misguided).
Coming from the bol ke lab aazad hain tairay school of democracy, to me the space for dissent is itself important to the democratic polity; for that reason alone I beleive that these are important articulations.
I dont know how many of us follow the numerous talk shows on Pakistani TV channels. It goes against our stereotypical images, but on these programs always the most cool headed and considerate speakers are the Mullahs of MMA. And the speakers from the liberal parties be it pro-government or anti-government or nationalists are usually arrogant, highly emotional and keep slinging mud at each other.
Hassan, it was never my intention to imply that the Pakistani discussions are not intellectual. I meant that the communication style may not be like the west depending on where one grows up. Comparatively, in these regions its more animated and excited.
Mush-Nazir,
Things are moving in the direction that you have pointed. Now somebody should ask Musharraf what about all those promises that no deal will be made with looters. Why the charges against Benazir in Switzerland are not being pursued. Call me a cynic, but in the end, we all are after the seat “Kursi”.
[quote comment=”4528″][quote post=”362″]defenseless civilians?[/quote]
@Turab:
-in Israel guys & girls above 16 are part of military so most of them are NOT civilians anyway.
-its your perception that you think mullahs favor such acts, did you interview any mullah recently?
-i do not favor sucide bombing but when someone occupies your home,your wife, daughter and son and you are unarmed then you wouldn’t hesitate to put your life at risk to save your loved one or you will just sit on sofa and keep watchnig some late night MTV show?[/quote]
thank you for exposing yourself and your understanding of the religion. No matter how dire the circumstances are , the religion is meant to be for all occasions and esp for the worst of the times….. Under frustation if one forgets or chooses to ignore religion just exposes the lack of commitment and their weakness.
Anyone not wearing a uniform and not carrying a weapon is a CIVILIAN.
And hence that same suicide bombings are being carried out to kill in IRAQ, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Suicide bombers don’t think about the collateral damage since they are too busy thinking about heaven and 72 virgins.
[quote comment=”4502″]
BTW, though I am personally not one for facial hair, shalwars above the thaknas and most madrassahs (Binori and non-Binori), I must say this student was articulate and spoke well. Now if only the so-called liberal types could string together an entire sentence in Urdu…….[/quote]
I am glad you missed Jinnah, you wouldn’t have liked his lack of eloquence in Urdu. Who knows, generals and mullahs may get rid for us the mistake (Pakistan) that, that liberal made and then we will no longer have to bear the burden of that liberal’s favour on our conscience.
Shall we pray for that?
I am not impressed at all by the second person’s speech. The MNA from Sialkot. His was more of a loud bash without much substance or reason. Reminded me of a person who talked very loud and judge favored him on the logic that since ‘the voice of truth has to be louder than the voice of a liar’ therefore the louder person is pious too.