Adil Najam
Back in August of 2006 one of the first ATP Polls we did was to ask our readers which recent leader they thought did the most good for Pakistan? We had structured the question carefully to focus on the good that these leaders did (all leaders do bad things as well as good, some more and some less). It is time to ask the same question again.
In 2006 we had not included Gen. Musharraf since he was still in power. This time including Gen. Musharraf but not Asif Zardari, who is in power now. So, what do you think?
Please do take the question serious and answer it in the spirit asked:
The Question: Focussing primarily on whatever ‘positives’ might have been achieved during their stint(s) in power, who, amongst the following, did the most ‘good’ for Pakistan?
Let me repeat the explanatory paragraph I had included in introducing the question the first time:
The key word is ‘achieved.’ We always have plenty of discussions about what leaders have and are doing wrong, but nearly never talk about what they did right. Interestingly, even when we are trying to make a case for someone, we tend to make it by explaining what is wrong with everyone else. After all, if everyone else is bad (and worse) then our guy must be good, at least in ccomparison and by default. The logic makes a perverse sort of sense but tends to take our political conversations towards confrontations (since they are based on ‘attacking’ the other rather than on ’supporting’ our own). So, here is an experiment to see if we are capable of talking differently about such things.
As before, for Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif consider the combined impact of two stints they each had in power. Do also please tell us what you think they did that was most important and lasting to Pakistan’s well-being as a nation. Again, we focus on achievement here not because the ‘bad’ that they did was not important (in each case it was) but to discipline our conversation towards thinking of things that, maybe, we should be doing more of.
Very nice poll.
I had to think hard, but clearly the only possible answer (since you give just one choice) is Zulfiqar Bhutto. Only time when the nation coudl be proud as a nation. Not a bhikari like Musharraf who was always highlighting how bad and dangerous Pakistan and Pakistanis were and only he was good and keep rest of Pakistanis in check. On other hand, Bhutto made Pakistanis feel good about being Pakistani and gave us confidence. That was the biggest good he did.
Virtually any Pakistani, and at times non-Pakistani with any potential in any respect, whether they were military men, economist, scientist, academics, athletes etc. or others that brought or wanted to bring about good into or for Pakistan have been chased out of Pakistan. They
@Waqas, i have studied economy, and it seems u havn’t got a clue how world economy actually works. Let me tackle ur points regarding economy:
You said: “The current economic conditions are all because of PM”
i dont know whether to laugh or cry at ur disallusion and gullibility. The economy was on the boom for the most part of Musharraf’s era, with GDP, per capita,reserves all on rapid increase. China and India and BRIC countries are calling themselves economical super power to-be soon, why? Because their per capita and GDP are on the boom…quite precisely what happened with Pakistan during Musharraf (in fact our gdp growth was faster than India during some times, in spite of the terrorism issue, which slowed economy and FDI). I can write a whole book explaining how the reforms and policies contributed to the boom in the economy.
Now, “the current economical problems” (inflation, IMF loan, slow growth) is NOT due to Musharraf but because of current government’s mismangement – hence leading to flight of capital of foreign reserves. Also there was rising inflation worldwide (in addition to continuous increase in oil prices). Moreover, due to securitized morgatates (particularly sub-prime) fiasco, the rich world saw recession – thus exasberating the problem.
You said: “selling ur assets and increasing the foreign exchange does not do u good in long term”
The world works on buy-sell spread, selling is obviously neceassry for any economy – even kids know this. If u dont buy/sell ur assets, not only they become worthless, but u also loose money and there is loss of liquitity in the market overall. As for foreign exchange, i dont know what u mean, because Rupee was extremly stable compared to dollar. Maybe u meant foreign reserves, if u did mean that, then PLEASE read for couple of mins what reserves are.
You said: “not even a single industrial unit was set up, export did not increase on the contrary textile and leather export decreased.”
Actually, thats not true, if u read the financial reports and analysis on Pakistan released u will know that industry and export saw a boom too – hence aiding in economical boom.
MY SUMMARY:
Problem is lack of education and understanding of these primitive issues amongst the media and people of Pakistan as a whole – who know as much about economy as they do about quantum mechanics, yet deem themselves to be experts on it, not hesitating from making sweeping statements.
The best thing ever happened to Pakistan after Quaid-e-Azam’s death, is General Pervaiz Musharraf.
It’s beyond my understanding why people do not understand that the difference between the fudal lords like Nawaz & Zardari. A person who is selfmade, Mr. Musharraf, and who’s character is undoubtable has been sent behind the screen.
What make you guys trust Nawaz Sharif..? And How do you feel when you see Zardari is your president? Do you have a national Pride?
I am ashamed and can’t bear it that Zardari is our president, till Gilani..let’s accept a bit..but Zardari. Here in UAE, I am use to say…I am hardcore fan of Musharraf….
One thing is sure, the Massiha of Pakistan Nation is gone, I am not sure if he will be back or not but I will remain in Love with him.
… We need a change… change of leadership, young leadership needs to be in power, fresh minds.. strong brains, and wishful thinking to server the nation is much required now.
…and Don’t forget the during Musharraf’s era, STOCK EXCHANGE WAS 17000 INDEX.
Do something.. Otherwise Pakistani Nation will lost behind Himalayas…..!!
Its a no brainer. ZAB is the obvious choice.
For those ignorant to historical facts about ZAB,
ZAB brought back 90000 + Pak Army soldiers
ZAB got back land captured by India during 1971 war
ZAB introduced Passport which enabled everyone to travel
ZAB gave the unanimously agreed constitution in 1973
ZAB started the nuclear power plant
ZAB gave the islamic bank concept to the Islamic world
I can go on and on and on…
I am surprised to see Zia in this list. He gave heroin, gun culture and tyranny to Pakistan. When he left the world he gave us Altaf Hussain ..