Adil Najam
Noises drenched in that uniquely Pakistani mix of rumor, spin, speculation, and analysis suggest that something is afoot in Army House, Rawalpindi. Some suggest that spurred from the US as well as the new political dispensation in Pakistan, but largely because of their own accord, the military leadership is finally ready to ease Gen. Musharraf not only out of Army House, but also out of the Presidency. Official spokesmen, of course, deny this vehemently. Which, given that this is Pakistan, adds an added layer of authenticity to the rumors.
It is time, once again, to wonder what lies in the future of Pakistan.
Although October 2007 now feels like another era, we had asked some similar questions then. At that point we had wondered about the future of Pakistan’s politics (for the next year) in light of the possibility of Gen. Musharraf doffing his uniform. Our readers’ responses had been mostly on the mark – most of you had predicted a year of increased political turbulence and a curtailing of Gen. Musharraf’s influence. Of course, the year is not up yet and anything could well happen between now and October 2008.
The record of our readers in the last ATP Poll we did – on the future of the PML(N)-PPP coalition – was a little less stellar. Most had thought that the coalition would weather the judicial storm. As it turned out, the coalition fell even before the Poll ended.
So, what do you think lies in Gen. Musharraf’s future between now and October 2008. Has anything changed since the last poll? What? Do vote and do share your views in the comments section.
I agree that Gen. Musharraf is no longer as important as he was to anyone, so whether he stays or leaves it does not matter to most Pakistanis. he did not solve our problems by staying and will not solve them by leaving.
Bilal:
I am talking about the period between 2001 and today, not just 2007 and today, when Mr Musharraf got into some political trouble. When Alqaida members were being arrested from Pakistani cities, when religious lunatics were being confronted in Lal Masjid, when warlords were being fought in Waziristan and Baluchistan, the people of Pakistan never ever supported Mr Musharraf or his efforts, the result is that today Pakistan is ruled by terrorists, and plunderers have once again taken power in the country in the name of “Democracy”. Dont blame Musharraf for this, blame yourself.
Amir, i really admire your perception about this issue, but let me rectify the statement you have mentioned in your comment. I.e. ‘Support’ let me personify it by reminding you about the power sharing deal b/w Late BB and president Musharraf, martyrs of October 18 and December 27, suicidal attacks in the major cities of Pakistan targeting the most central parts and bodies of the state, detention of judges, battering of lawyers by police constables and many more that i cannot embed all of them in this box. Pakistanis have always supported Musharraf either by giving their lives or by undergoing the consequences of his so called endeavors. Even though, could you ask for a better support Amir. This is not about blaming him but it
Bilal:
Musharraf would have succeeded against terrorism if the people of Pakistan supported him and his efforts. Instead every time the govt took action against dangerous extremists, they were denounced as “American dogs”. Now you blame Musharraf for failure.
Since October 2007 till now and over the span of last few years, during the tenure of musharraf’s government, the citizens of Pakistan underwent the series of mayhems comprising suicidal attacks, consequences of judicial demonstrations, dramatic price hikes, prejudicial politics and many others. Musharraf’s policies were failed, and seems incapable to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan even after having the military operations in the most sensitive regions of pakistan. The optimum way outs have almost finished but of the musharraf’s goodbye to presidential office. From the prevailing government one can intuitively understand the difference between Democracy and Autocracy. Let’s deprive musharraf’s intervention in the state affairs by putting the utmost pressures on him to vacate the president’s office.