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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I have a feeling that there will be no elections in 2007. But that may not be a bad thing because it probably means that there may be real elections in 2008.
The so called elite sit around the cofee table, the Naukar (slave) serve them food and chai, and they try to solve Pakistans’ problems. They blame the Mulla’s for all the problems. Though the problems have been created by the so called elite CSP and military people. These elites talk about elections etc. and have never seen real Pakistani village and people. They do not know what Quran and Islam’s teachings are for Haqooq Al Abad. Even if they know it they never have any intention of practicing it. The Begum Sahibas and their daughters wears 20000 rupees saris every day while the Saab’s monthly income is 50000 rupees a month.
Allah bestows a leader to nation what they deserve.
Dear Mystic, your 2 ‘ashaar’ made me smile :) Good choice.
I do not see any better option than Imran Khan.
I think top military brass along with politicians may step forward and provide Musharraf a peaceful and secure exit, without any further anarchy. That may be acceptable to the external powers too.
In elections, urbanites will try to vote for Imran Khan as they have seen he is the only one who can stand up and speak some sense and people still listen.Rural people are not so free to excercise their vote.
Lets wait and see. I hope this time it is very different and better than 1971 & 1977.
“But let us admit the reality that Military intervention in politics is WORST than worst democracy.”
It is ok to argue in favour of democracy, but lets avoid such sweeping statements.