Adil Najam
This one should be easy. Too easy maybe. But, then, the purpose of these posts is not really to test your knowledge. It is – like everything on this blog – to initiate conversations. To kindle thought. And maybe remind ourselves of things we should never have forgotten in the first place.
Anyhow, don’t read too much into that little stream of consciousness. Just go with your instincts; sometimes the heart is a better judge of history than the mind!
My opponents sometimes say: ‘This man is a dictator; he has all the power in his hands.’ How? I do not know. After all, there always has to be someone finally in charge whatever the system, be it parliamentary or presidential, a monarchy or a dictatorship. There are many to assist but, in the ultimate analysis, one man has to take the final decision. This has been the case throughout history, and it is so even today all the world over. If the man is chosen by the people and if he is a good man, he has to be trusted and given full co-operation.
To my knowledge there has never been so much freedom in this country as there is today. ‘On a number of occasions I have been accused, abused, and vilified, subjected to all kinds of rumours and slanders, all thoroughly unjustified and untrue, by some of the biggest blackguards in the country, and I have swallowed it. I have put up with it for the simple reason that I want to nurse and protect the system. I will not allow it to be demolished.
Because this one is as easy as it is, we will hope that you will share with us not only who said this, but also why, where and in what context.
I guess its Chacha Mush who else can say such true words, I feel I can hear him in his unique dulcet tones!!
Kruman bhai salaam again and I enjoyed the general’s diary, also did you read my post on BB’s deal if not here it is again:
http://www.otherpakistan.org/today2. For others who dont have a clue what Im on see http://www.otherpakistan.org or the above link to bring you to speed.
Feimanallah
Wasim
The language is too carefully, even thoughtfully, constructed to be that of Musharraf’s.
I dont agree with his uniform clause otherwise 58-b is fine. Otherwise we will get a dictator prime minister like Nawaz sharif or ZA Bhutto. Yes ideally in parlimentry system, PM should have all powers but our politicians are not that much matured.
Freedom of media and free market economy are his biggest successes but Waziristan issue is his/ours worst nightmare.
General Musharraf said that and i assume that the context was regarding the independence of media as well as his perspective for strengthening democracy.
His notion of strengthening democracy is based on ‘controlled democracy’ where president should have power to use draconian 58-2b as well as president with uniform.
MUSHI LONG LIVE MUSHI!!!