Adil Najam
We want to do a blogging experiment (which requires us to put all comments under moderation) and really let our readers write this post on Pakistan’s Elections 2008. What we are doing is not unique, but there is a twist to how we wan to do it.
First, here is the question we want you to answer for us:
Please tell us which political leader or party you support, or you think should be supported, in Pakistan’s elections 2008 and why?
Now, here are the rules – and we will implement these rules strictly, so please do read them carefully. All comments that meet these criteria will be published. Comments that do not meet these criteria will not.
Rule #1: It is not enough to say who you think should be supported, you need to tell us WHY you think they should be supported. In fact, getting to the WHY is the only real point to the exercise.
Rule #2: We understand the importance of comparison and competition in politics, but you are NOT allowed to say who should NOT be supported (or why they should not be supported). You can only tell us who should be supported and why. You can only tell us who you think is ‘good’ and what is ‘good’ about them. Any mention at all of who you think is ‘bad’ or what is ‘bad’ about others will disqualify the comment.
Rule #3. Please do not try to be too “clever.” We are sure you are all very bright and we also know that you are passionate about your preferences. All of that is very good. However, in our moderation we will err on the side of caution and delete any attempt at all to circumvent Rule #2. So, please read your comment carefully before submission to make sure that it cannot be inadvertently understood as an attempt to get around Rule #2.
Rule #4. This brings us to our last and final rule. All comments on this post are placed automatically in moderation and will appear only after a system moderator approves them as having met the rules laid out here. Over the next couple of days we will try to look at the moderation queue as often as we can to reduce the time that comments stay in moderation. However, do please expect some delays between your posting a comment and its appearing here. Also, if you feel that your comment has been moderated, you are welcome to repost the comment this time wording it in a way that meets all these rules, especially Rule #2. While commenters are welcome to post comments more than once – especially if they are building on someone else’s comment – we will remove multiple comments from the same person if the content is the same or very similar; please, do not try to spam us with such repeated comments.
If you think that your leader or party has not gotten a fair deal from us at ATP or the media or the electorate, here is your opportunity to make a case for them. You can make a case for anyone you want. You just cannot make a case against anyone.
I realize that we do often make choices based primarily on what or who we do not like, rather than who or what we like. There is nothing wrong per se with that, but for our purpose we are taking that option off the table.
Too many of us take too much please, too often, in being cynical. Therefore, I suspect that focusing on our positive energies might turn out to be rather difficult for some of our readers. I sincerely hope that I am wrong.
Imran Khan.
1. Already had all the fame and fortune that one can wish
for in Pakistan and had no desire to come into politics, but decided to do so only because ‘awaam’ wanted him to.
2. Is not power hungry at all. He is the only person who has declined offers for the much coveted post of PM twice, Yes twice. In 1988 & 1993.
3. Is well educated and speaks like educated people too.
4. Admits his mistakes.
5. Can be a decent, educated and suave representative of
Pakistan abroad also.
6. None of the allegations against him regarding money mismanagement for his hospital have been found to be true.
7. Openly speaks his mind, without bowing to any pressures.
8. Always keeps his aims high and strives hard to achieve
them.
9. Is completely against violence.
10. Is one of the biggest proponent of an independent judiciary (was a big proponent of neutral umpires during his cricket days also, rewards of which the entire cricket world is reaping.)
Mutahida Qaumi Movement
Because Muttahida Qaumi Movement ideology is based on Realism and Practicalism and that’s what we witness today.
It’s true that MQM was created on the basis of ethinicity and after a long and difficult journey, they are now in a position to
enter into main stream politics. There political maturity can be seen in recent riots specially in karachi, when many of us were
afraid of any backlash.
Readers are reminded to read ALL FOUR RULES above before commenting on this post. Comments that do not meet all four rules will NOT be approved.
Pakistan People’s Party.
Because they feel hurt and cheated and giving them power for next five years can save Pakistan. It is the matter of necessity other than anything else. I hope they can do better job than present set of rulers becasue of their deep roots in populace.
Imran Khan. He is a really determined person and will lead us to the real democracy.