I am sure many of ATP readers will be surprised to see this photograph in which former President Musharraf is saluting his most vocal critic Imran Khan.
Before you jump onto conclusions, let me tell you that this photograph is said to be taken during a fund raising event doe the Shaukat Khannum Memorial Hospital sometime in 2000-01. It was the time when Imran Khan’s PTI supported Musharraf and he was a reportedly hot favorite candidate for Prime Ministership.
Do you think the photograph is real? Imran Khan actually mentioned this one in many of his speeches in US recently. Watch the part of his speech after 4 minutes and 50 seconds in a video here. And if it is, what does it tell us about Gen. Musharraf. Or about Imran Khan.
@Mehreen,
I think you need to read my post again. All I did was ask you a question. I did not pass any judgment on your views–in fact, that is what I said in my post to Umar, that I do not want to pass judgment–so pls. do re-read as to who said what.
For your information, I was very involved in the WPB–if you check out my website you will see that I was even speaking on tv about it to explain it to lay people, and have worked as a lawyer in Pakistan so know exactly how it changes the law and what effect that would have on women in Pakistan who have for years been the victim of the Hudood Ordinance.
The WPB had to be watered down because people like Qazi, etc. made a big production. That is why Javed Ghamdi protested–he did not want it watered down. And you are right that it is still better than nothing. That is why not just I but all those who support women’s rights in Pakistan supported it strongly, including WAF (women’s action forum).
Imran Khan did not support it because his position on women’s rights is very dubious. I have met him and in one conversation he actually defended Mike Tyson when he was found guilty of rape. I wonder if you have had the chance to speak to him on these issues directly or if you are just going off of what you want to believe.
And yes, women’s rights is very important to me and I cannot support anyone who is dubious on it. It is a big problem in our society and someone who is not clear on that, cannot get my vote.
Interesting picture, if real. But I agree it has no real value for analysis. Just interesting. Both these men had potential but both proved disappointing in practice. Too bad for Pakistan.
@Ayesha: I think you missed my point. I have clearly stated that he and his party have their faults which is natural. I am simply saying that his positives are far greater in number than the bunch of clowns currently ruling Pakistan. We have to pick someone new. Read my comment again.
As far as WPB is concerned, nobody I know is against the idea and some of the repealing the draconian laws and that’s not the issue either. However, this bill had some serious problems (both procedural and conceptual) which should have been removed. Even people like Javed Ahmed Ghamdi didn’t approve it because of some issues. Mushy on the other hand wanted it to be approved before his US trip to gain politically and portray himself as enlightened and champion of women rights. Forget about MMA’s drama, as far as I know Imran Khan didn’t support the bill because of two reasons which you can read here. Though I don’t agree with his reasoning and I think he should have voted in favor of bill despite its faults since improvements could have been made later. You seem like obsessed with WPB and completely rule out that the bill might have had some technical faults too and people can have a different view. One must also remember that the same Imran Khan also bitterly opposed religious parties Hasba bill. It would be much useful to have a constructive discussion on issues (with some homework and reading I suggest) rather than getting personal just because we have a personal grudge against someone.
I remember watching a speech by Mehmood Khan Achkzai (watch here) and I think he highlighted the real issues concerning women in Pakistan and what actually needs to be done. I think dealing with problems of implementation and sick mentality is more important. Laws can be made but what’s the benefit if ground reality doesn’t change? Of course, laws are the first step in right direction so anything like WPB should be welcomed.
Btw, can I ask you if you have actually read the WPB and you are aware exactly why people (other than MMA) opposed it? Do you exactly know the reasons they have given? Just curious.
Those may be the two best Pakistani leaders in the country today. Pity they could not get along.
I stand corrected Ayesha… thanks for the very thoughtful post…
The PPP disappointing yet again? Whats new? I think the time when being the least of all evils is just not going to be good enough is nigh… the way things are, the next time the Jiyala (and the left in general) punishes the PPP by staying away on election day, the results may be far worse than a PML-N government… I shudder at the thought, and hope and pray that the PPP will finally get its act together, but somewhere deep down, I have the sinking feeling that we’re in for yet another ride…