Adil Najam
Since yesterday the “I” word – impeachment – has begun to be thrown around a lot.
Some quarters seem to think that it just happen this time. Others suggest that it is more talk than action and the numbers needed to pull this are still not there.
Coming out of the “critical” Nawaz Sharif-Asif Zardari meetings one keeps wondering how much of this is an effort to keep the coalition going and how much is a real push to change the essential political equations of Pakistan. There are reports that Gen. Musharraf is taking this move seriously enough to cancel his trip to China (to attend the Olympics opening ceremony). On the other hand some of Gen. Musharraf’s supporters are claiming that no such cancellation has happened. We do know, however, that he is taking this challenge seriously and lining up his supporters.
All in all, there is too much noise to say what is happening. But something is clearly happening. Does the PPP-PML(N) have the numbers they need to go ahead? Does the President have the numbers he needs to stop it? And what of all the external actors and where they may lean, why and for what?
Interestingly, we had run a ATP Poll back in June asking you what you thought would have happened to Gen. Musharraf by October 2008? The majority (38%) had thought that he would be impeached by then. A significant number (31%) thought that by October 2008 we woudl be still muddling through as we are now.
We do not intend to open the Poll again, but it does seem that either of those two answers could turn out to be true again. Indeed, even our earlier Poll on the subject, from October 2007, may still be relevant in its results!
So, since we can’t make full sense of exactly what all of this adds up to, we thought we woudl ask our best source: You. What do you think? What is happening? What might happen? And why?
Aamir Ali:
I agree that they have their priorities wrong but at the same time if they can get through this and get Musharraf impeached then it will be an enormous boost for parliament’s credibilty and ability albeit for politician’s own benefits. At least they’re doing something and hopefully this will get the ball rolling.
A precedence will be set that if the parliament wants to do something they can and the will of the elected people can overcome major challenges.
Also if and when the judiciary gets restored, it and the media will keep a check on the government so that they don’t abuse their power.
All this may sound a bit wishful but if we take a long term view (50 to 100 years and more) this episode where if the parliament wins will be benficial for the country.
This is not about Musharaf!!!
It is the establishment. They will not take it lying low!
Some drastic change will take place.
10% and steel mill need to be considered , we are falling from sky and getting stuck on a tree.
I think we should outsource our country to the highest bidder, we are still not ready to hold the reins yet.
We have to pass through the dark ages before we learn how to govern ourselves.
Naveed Khan:
The politicians already have their government and their power and authority. Why dont they use it for productive purpose instead of revenge politics?
After almost 10 years of Musharaf saying this, it’s now time for the politicians to say:
“Respect My Authoritah!”
The point is that when Musharraf said it, it was backed by selfish needs and the power of the Army. Now when the polticians are saying it, it’s backed by selfish needs and votes.
Can anyone spot the difference?
Asif Zardari is delaying the judges’ restoration.
He is not sincere about the impeachment of President Musharraf. The evidence trails to the point that the President made a false announcement of his departure to China and then decided to go again as if he is in all the comfort of life and knows he is not going to be impeached.
This is all a game plan. And mark my words, these judges are not coming back at all.