Adil Najam
I do not think that I am the only who who has been quite stunned by the near-total radio silence from Gen. Pervez Musharraf since he was forced out of the President’s office.
Of course, one realizes that he has probably been advised – maybe ‘told’ – to keep a low profile by the military itself. Possibly, that was part of the unstated ‘deal’ that led to his resignation. Moreover, one must confess, that given all the passions he can still ignite amongst his detractors as well as his supporters, it is probably a good think that he has kept a low profile. Pakistan is already too traumatic a place. There is already “too much news” in Pakistan as it is. A little quiet from the Pervez Musharraf front is, therefore, probably good for the general and good for Pakistan too.
But that being as it is, one is quite surprised at the silence nonetheless. Silence is certainly not characteristic of the man. And he obviously has a lot that he could say, especially given all the events since his departure. That he has kept his restrain – or been made to keep his restrain – is, therefore, certainly surprising and possibly admirable.
Except, that it seems that he has finally broken the silence – but only briefly and most cautiously. One hears that he will also soon start saying more – on the international lecture circuit. Whether one agrees with him or not, it will no doubt be worth a listen.
News channels in Pakistan have reported on remarks after Eid prayers at the Army House. According to The News:
Former president Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday said he would not leave the country. He made these remarks after offering Eid prayers in Army House today. Musharraf said several foreign institutes and non-government organization (NGOs) were inviting him to present lectures. “I will start the visits once some matters related to the invitations are finalized.†he added. Condemning the Marriott hotel suicide blast, Musharraf said military operation against militants should continue. Bajaur operation has started to produce results, he noted.
Gen. Musharraf remains at the Army House along with his family and while his days since his resignation have been quiet – or at least unreported upon – Eid day at the Army House was far from quiet. Reportedly he received a number of Eid guests and well-wishers, including retired and serving military military officers, friends, businessmen, and politicians.
Reports suggest that he strongly denied any plans of moving abroad, reaffirmed his intention to remain in Pakistan, did say that he might go abroad on a lecture tour after settling his affairs in Pakistan, said that the Bajur operation has been a success and needs to be a success in the future, condemned the Marriott Hotel bombing, and said that he was having an “excellent time” since he resigned because it had given him time to spend with his family, friends, and to pursue other activities like reading.
Nothing in what he said to his Eid visitors is surprising. That is the nice chit chat that Eid gatherings are supposed to be about. But one does wonder what he is really thinking? What he has really been doing (I hope that he actually has been reading, which is always a good thing)? How has he been coping with the transition? How has he dealt with being everywhere all the time to being near invisible? And, what is it that he will say when he gives these lectures.
I suspect that we will never find the answers to any of the above, except for the very last one. That, I think, we will find out soon enough. But I have a sense I already know the script of that one. But I will be attentively listening nonetheless.
I supported Musharraf until he sacked the Chief Justice in March 2007. After that, I still managed to think that he would not be stupid-enough to impose Emergency in November 2007. But I guess I underestimated the protection of jack-boots provided to Generals of Pakistani Army: They can do anything–anything–and can get away with that.
That, my friends, is the difference between a civilian, even if allegedly ‘corrupt’ Zardari or a ‘sincere’ ‘non-corrupt’ general like Ayub Khan, or Zia ul Haq, or Aslam Baig, or Musharraf: Being unaccountable must be a powerful Viagara. You can do whatever you want and no one will touch you. Remember what Aslam Baig said a few years ago: ‘They dare not touch me’.
Pakistan is not going to have its rulers fall from the sky like some Manna nor there can be any ‘revolution’ in Pakistan unless it is either an extreme Leftist or extreme Rightist revolution. But what Pakistan must and can have is to allow the civilians to have a chance. You don’t like them then kick them out. You could not do that to Mr. Musharraf. But now you can. Have patience. Give chance to the civilians.
He is a Gen. like Ayub Khan. Gen. Ayub never made any useless remarks I believe he will not either. Please don’t compare him with Nawaz Bhai and BB Bhuto Bahan. Just leave ranting and wailing to professional politicians and robbers.
He is doing well by keeping quiet. His relationship with the media was not good anyways.I am not surprised to learn that he is working on delivering lectures across the globe. He has a lot of friends abroad and is probably trying to portray a mini Clinton or a mini Blair act and make some money.Nothing wrong with that.
Dear Aamir Ali, you really should not be so harsh on yourself.
Calling yourself a “moron” is not good. Certainly not good for your own self-image. unless, of course, you actually believe that YOU are the only non-moron Pakistani out there. But believing that would make you a jerk and a bigot. And I am sure you are not that!
Being anti-musharraf DOES NOT equal being pro PPP or pro any other party. I wish all the “politically literate” people had the sense to understand this without being told. Some people including myself are just pro Pakistan and I wish all Pakistanis were. As a Pakistani, I don’t care what Musharraf is thinking. Haven’t we had enough of what he thought and did. Justice demands that he be put to trial. (And I don’t mean Iftikhar Chaudhry by the word justice here!)