Gen. Pervez Musharraf never wanted to be a politician. But his emergency decree has made the return of civilian politics inevitable.
Comment: 9/11 mastermind Musharraf.
Benazir attack mastermind Musharraf.
Kargil War mastermind Musharraf.
Musharraf Wanted Alive .
Comment: Choose for others that you like for yourself.Or, at least,don't try to undermine this universal princple.
Comment: despite knowing what our president has done and doing against the democracy and society as well, i m proud of him. let me explain why. in other countries, the presidents and prime ministers quit their positions by placing the resignations when found guilty in some case, be it of minor level. they leave their office in dignity. but our president, though he knows and admits that he is not liked by his ppl, still sticks to the chair and doesnt give up. thats the real spirit. way to go Musharraf!!!!!!!!
Comment: To Farrid, G Mush is a democrat.For us Pakistani,he is tyrant adictaoror of the worst ind and liar in thgarb of a democrat. whois just ruling us to serve the interests of foreign powers and in the process destroing the institutions and the country itself. this is strange brand of democracy being exported to pkistan from US
Comment: Pakistan army runs innumerable businesses. The stakes are high. They will never give way to an independent civilian authority.forget DEMOCRACY! and tow the line.If the chief justice of Pakistan can be dragged to the prison ruthlessly what chance has an ordinary citizen got.
Comment: Every country in the world has a army, Pakistan is the only country where army has a country! Mr. Zakaria, when you talk of good things of the dictator, can you name a single institution this man gave to this coutnry who self-imposed himself by topling a demoratically elected government, ruled for 8 years with absoluate power, who destroyed a hardly stablizing judiciary in the name of fighting terriorism that he himself is a prouduct of. Is Pakistan army generals so honest that never in the history of Pakistan, a sitting general could be convicted? What do you expect from a year and a half old democracy after prolonged dictatorship when it is not allowed to complete its tenure. We must really wake up now and see throught the truth. Its right there if you want to know it. Its the military establishment that cannot afford to see any other institution to stand against its unaudited power. They can't see anybody saying no to them. We must stand against this relentless power which is menacing the nation. SHAHID FROM NEW YORK
Comment: abc
Comment: Come on people. For God Sake be real for a minute. Musharaf has absolutely no right to rule. He took over just to save his skin as it's apparent from the fact that the coup happened right after he was dismissed as an army chief.
The army of Pakistan has been and is a major force in the politics which has always been interfering and intervening time and again in the system of governance. They are not just military-men now. They have become real-estate agents, bankers, educators, bakers etc. This entrenchment into the civil society and business gives them a lot of "off-the-payroll" benefits not to mention the "above-the-law" treatment. It was this whole status quo that was attacked by the civilian government of the time and, bang, the coup happened.
This time the army's unlawful dictatorship was challenged by the Judiciary which suffered the same fate. Now tell me how can you defend a bunch of hooligans who are attacking every lawful pillar of the country just to save their dominance just because they are dressed in a uniform. Pakistan needs rule of law and freedom for the masses. Less than a million well-organized crooks have held the 160 million people of my country hostage which can not be justified any number of "paid-for" articles like this.
A Pakistani Student
Comment: An outstanding piece of journalism which is a far cry from the "Most Dangerous Country in the World" rhetoric this very magazine printed. General Musharraf has done alot of good for Pakistan, but he has erred in his unflinching loyalty and posessiveness. He clearly sees the new Pakistan, outlined by a surging economy, a free media, an empowered civil society, and an unintentionally stronger judiciary, as his babies. Hopefully there is still time for him to reverse his actions, and return Pakistan to the progressive trajectory that it was on.
Comment: The interesting question is not why the army in Pakistan is sensitive to public opinion, but rather why the army in Myanmar is so insensitive. After all, soldiers join a military to defend the country against its enemies. Naturally they do not want to be force to defend a government against their own people which likely includes their relatives and neighbors. So any thoughts anyone on why that did not work that way in Myanmar/Burma?
Comment: The interesting question is not why the army in Pakistan is sensitive to public opinion, but rather why the army in Myanmar is so insensitive. After all, soldiers join a military to defend the country against its enemies. Naturally they do not want to be force to defend a government against their own people which likely includes their relatives and neighbors. So any thoughts anyone on why that did not work that way in Myanmar/Burma?
Comment: But Musharraf is an illegitimate ruler. Coup leader.
The brain behind Kargil War with India.
Musharraf is shielding Nuclear peddler A.Q.Khan.
Arrested Imran Khan as a terrorist.
Comment: But Musharraf is an illegitimate ruler. Coup leader.
The mind behind Kargil War with India.
Musharraf is sheilding nuclear peddler A.Q.Khan.
Releases Terrorists and brands Imran Khan a terrorist !
Comment: The poor people of Pakistan need free schools,free hospitals,and a decent future for their children.I have never heard anybody on the pakistani media discuss these problems. The way ordinary middleclass professionals have been ruthlessly dealt with under draconian laws is lamentful and a disgrace for the image of Pakistan.Dignity and honour should be meted out to everyone as an inherent right in civilised society. Are all the successful countries in the world where human rights prevail are led by the military generals? I say let democracy flourish in Pakistan and let people decide what they want. Elections held under the present circumstances would be a waste of good resources which Pakistan cannot afford.
Comment: Come, come, Fareed Zakaria. Your pro-Pakistani bias would be laughable if only it weren't so trragic. Pakistan "has serious traditions of law, human rights and democracy" did you say ? Perhaps you could devote some time to research what happened to to religious minorities, notably Hindus who constituted 40 per cent of the population at the time of partition and now account for less than 5 per cent. Were the missing numbers massacred/ driven out or are you suggesting that they have all seen the light and joyously embraced Islam ?
Comment: Come, come, Fareed Zakaria, your pro-Pakistani bias is leading you to make ludicrous statements. Pakistan "has serious traditoions of law,human rights and democracy" did you say ? Please devote some time to research the ethnic cleansing of minorities, notably Hindus who constituted 40 per cent of the population at the time of partition and now account for less than 5 per cent. Were they massacred/driven out or do you believe that the missing numbers are actually those who have seen the light and joyously embraced Islam ?
Comment: The misconception and keyhole view of a country and its politics are astounding. I wonder whether any democratic country can ever understand the dillemma faced by Pakistan. The real reason for this whole fiasco, the absolute immorality and power hungry attitude of the people in power , the extent to which the elite can go to safeguard their interest. I dont think it can be visualized by anyone. I am strongly reminded of the Rwanda massacre story where the tutsis (with long nose) and hutus (with squashed nose) and shorter in stature reached such level of hatred that 0.8 million people were butchered by use of machette in about 3 months.
In Pakistan Musharraf and his predecessors Zia , Yahya and Ayub created an elite class who are prefferred on everything and they dominate everything. They manipualte things in a way that they manage to sneak into power after short absence. All institution of state has been subverted to the extent that none has the power to perform their mandate. The oath of loyalty is now a useless mantra. Honesty , integrity, patriotism, decency everything has gone overboard for the greed of power and a process to push Pakistan towards extremism is being accelarated as it will allow the powers to expand their rule. Democracy was never allowed to take roots and always sabotaged. The west must understand that its not the battle to remove one measly dictator who die their own death sooner or later anyway, it is the battle for survival for Pakistan. God save Pakistan
Comment: The act to curb on judiciary and impose emergency is shamefull for Pakistanies all over the world. We see a good man in Justice Iftikhar and hope he will do something for the country but it is not the fate of pakistanis to have a smile on their face. me is vey dejected, depressed on the act of General-----Shahid, Gujranwall
Comment: Those who think that Judiciary, army , lawyers and possibly the whole infrastrucuture is not corrupt are living in fools paradise..The peaple are suffreing whether its Politicians or Generals. Common man is interested in his basics needs.. If he is not getting that .. nothing else matters..who cares whether Musharraf is depriving them of this or some tried and tested politician who cannot see beyond their noses..
Comment: No to dictator and No to unconstitutional rule. Musharraf is an illegitimate ruler of Pakistan. He is corrupted by power. He suspended the supremem court of Pakistan alleging that they released terrorist detainees. The truth is that the two judges who ordered release of supposedly terrorist detainees are kept on board in Musharraf's new supremem court and others, guilty of nothing were fired. He is financially corrupt too. Only last year, he bought a farm house in the outskirts of Islamabad for Pak Ruppees 6,5 core (US dollars 1.1 millions). How can he afford such an expensive farm house whereas his take home sallary is lesser than US$ 2000 per month. This man is a crook. He knows how to exploite the West and USA. There is no such terrorism in Pakistan other than the one sponsored and architected by Musharraf's intelligence loyalist chiefs. He is ruling the country by creating a fake threat of religious minority's possible takeover, which he claims to prevent by his rule. We want our Supreme court and constitution restored. USA and Europe must support the people of Pakistan and help us get rid of the dictator. GO away Musharraf.
Comment: Pakistan under Musharaf would have prospered in past but see what is happening now it is otherwise.So people not country is important.As Musharaf say Pakistan first ,he should see himself what is the root cause of all the problem.I think he would still have good influence if he keep his military uniform only and than leave everything for politicians to do .I understand ffom past expereince it has not been good but now with open media and judiciary ????? the issues of corruption would come open early and politican would not have liberty to play havoc with economy so I advice Musharaf to go from presidency to his military hideout in GHQ.
Comment: Eight years ago, when Musharraf took over the country in a coup, his move was welcomed by most of the population because they were tired of Benazir and Sharif - both very corrupt politicians - playing musical chairs with the post of Prime Minister. Musharraf promised fair and free elections - something he never delivered. Eight years later, things seemed (seemed being the operative word here) a little more stable until, at the whim of a despotic dictator who was looking for absolute power and could not handle an independent judiciary, we were subjected to martial law.
And look where we stand today. The situation in Pakistani is headed for disaster. There are no civil liberties, mass arrests and detention of innocent civilians, no free press and only the "rule of law" as dictated by a madman.
So eight years later, we are back to square one. Whereas had we let fair and free elections ride out their course, things would have sputtered, we would have stumbled, but we would be on more stable ground right now.
For supporters of Musharraf who keep insisting that he "is not as bad" as Benazir and Nawaz, I disagree whole heartedly. He is far, far, worse than corrupt politicians because under the guise of democracy, he is a real threat and danger to future of the country.
It is ironic that he is calling Asma Jahangir 'unstable' when in fact, it is he who is clearly, slowly but surely, going mad.
Comment: As a Pakistani American, it is natural for me to look for the best solution for both countries. Musharraf has made a number of mistakes but he is far better the corrupt BB and Nawaz N(ot) Sharif. He is one of the least corrupt leaders in Pakistan. So Bye, Bye BB and No No Nawaz. HRH
Comment: Musharraf has brought back Pakistan from the brink of bankruptsy. He has been more tolerant of opposition and criticism than most of the past political and military rulers, including the current political leaders who ruled the country twice during the recent past. He has the unusual distinction of being honest and uncorruptable, which cannot be claimed by most of the politicians in the country. The news media was freed by him as never before in the history of Pakistan.
Although he has failed to fulfill his goal of implementing all the Ataturkan reforms as expected by his liberal backers, the failure was more due to the political and so called democratic structure imposed upon him by the international forces. It is very sad to see the Western countries, like the USA and the European Union breaking away from President Musharraf, when he needed their support the most. With Musharraf gone, Pakistan is once again likely to fall back economically, as well as becoming the bastion of extremism and fanatism.
Living in Pakistan, I would like your readers to know that after the declaration of emergency in Pakistan, life for millions of Pakistanis continues to be quite normal. One does not see tanks or army on the roads. Except for a few selfish and power hungry politicians, who are trying to disrupt the peace in the country, and the religious extremists trying to push the country in to the Dark Ages, most of the silent majority is with the President of Pakistan. Most of the political leaders who are under house arrest, are living comfortably in their palatial palaces, and giving political staments to the world through their phones. Believe me they are in no Guantanimo prisons.
palatial palaces, and are continuously giving statements to the press
Comment: Anyone living in Pakistan can vouch for the fact that in most urban areas it is business as usual and there is
no evidence of martial law anywhere. The reason given by the General for declaring emergency is understandable and the military action now in progress in Swat region is proof of this . I hope that they are successful in rooting out the militants and extremists who have taken over what used to be a wonderful tourist spot and holiday resort . I hope and pray for his success because unfortunately Pakistan at present does not have any reasonable alternative .
NIna - Islamabad
Comment: first of all he didn't impose emergancy but a martial law. secondly it is wrong to assume that this time musharruf listen to none. he did listen his masters. after receiving signals from united states he imposed martial law. he did all that no any other military or civilian leader has never done. after taking over the power he led pakistan not towards modernity or progress but to slavery of the western world particularly USA that pakistan was kept out of that even in the reigns of corrupt civilian rulers right after the cold war till 2001. it is true that afterthe cold war pakistan didn't listen USA but after 9/11 he started the era of slavery to the United states. it is also a fact that after aiding so much to united states in soveit afghan war pakistan , in return, did get nothing from USA but after the explosion of nuclear bomb usa isolated pakistan and sanctioned it. musharruf should also be aware of the fact of the future that after aiding so long to united states in so called war on terror pakistan will gain nothing again. he should get lesson from history. stil ball is in our court. he can take U -turn of his policies on war on terror and withdraw from it. United states is bogged down inthe swamp of iraq and afghanistan.withdrawl from this so called war on terror will destroy the united states and he will get rid of this unwanted master if musharruf is really sincere with pakistan and if musharruf realy place pakistan at first. if he doesn't do this pakistani society is going to drag him into the swamp of terrorism for the abolition of what, willingly or unwillingly, he strove alot in form of driving his own country into the fire, by firing his own nation.
Comment: Pakistan will be an Islamic Republic within a few years and no amount of posturing on the part of Bhutto, Sharif, Musharraf and Bush will prevent it in the slightest. The United States in the past has always failed to recognize the inevitable and has always propped up and supported the losing side, thus resulting in the winners being somewhat antagonistic towards us; perhaps because we supported the losers. We have a chance in Pakistan to back off our support of Musharraf and others demanding a democratic state and just sit back and let things take their course. Perhaps Pakistan gives us an opportunity to do something different from our almost universal failure to be on the right side in the past, and if not having a friend in the inevitable Islamic governement, at least not having a dedicated enemy. That would be novel and Pakistan being as large, powerful and important as it is might help us in our relationships with other current and soon to be Islamic states.
Comment: looking at the countainance of general musharraf during his press conference his stress was obvious and looked maniacal.his best option still is to call off the emergency,restore the judges,recall mr. sharif and establish an independant election commission for free and fair elections. afterall nobody reigns for ever.
Comment: Excellent work.
Stability first democracy later, I hope Musharraf keeps up the good work
Comment: "Lawyers" who have taken an oath to uphold the law, as a condition of being admitte to practice law, are comitting acts of heinous violence, severely injuring police officers while they discharge their lawful duty. I have seen the head injuries the Pakistani Police have suffered at the hands of these rock throwing "Lawyers" These criminals are now portrayed by the western media as heros? Where in the west is a rock throwing lawyer tolerated? What would an American police officer do if attacked in this manner? I have seen complete police departments turn out with dozen of patrol vehicles out to hunt down the person who injured the police officer. Here we have Newsweek cheering on criminal actions? Why?
Comment: Stability first democracy later. The really poor are trying to eat atleast once a day in Pakistan and when General Musharraf takes steps it is first and foremost for the most deprived in Pakistan. Those harking about lofty ideas like democracy and justice need to do some social volunteering just one day a year. Adopt a street child instead of lamenting about the fradulent chaudry.
Comment: This article seems full of bias for Musharraf. He is the man resposible, along with his puppets, of plunging Pakistan into its present crisis. It is so obvious that the West is not concerned enough about the fundamental rights of 140 million people. The extremism visible in Pakistan today is the natural product of Musharraf policies. I am afraid Musharraf has no escape route now after his recent display of total panic. The peole of Pakistan never approve extremism on sither side. The onslaught on the judiciary in this dictatorial fashion will never be tolerated nor will it ever be forgiven. Less than total rejection of this action by the deveoped world is self evident of their double standards. Musharraf's good work cannot justify his brutality. I urge the world to come together in condemning and rejecting Musharraf's recent action in an outright fashion. Listen to the voice of your conscience and join hands to free the people of this world from tyrants like Musharraf.
Comment: From where did you come up with this "Pakistan had fallen on bad times in the 1990s, but it has serious traditions of law, human rights and democracy. "
Pakistan has been under military rule for about 30 years of its history. A third of it is basically ungovernable or the government does not exist. Sharia is still followed to a large extent. Its record on human rights is among
the worst if not the worst.
To a large extent the premise of the article that the army in Pakistan is the most stable institution is true but the other points you make seem like only an extension of the talking points Musharraf uses to support himself or the US uses to continue support to him.
Comment: it seems like autor is presenting the Bush administarations point of view. Pakistan is more than just Musharaf any by betting on Musharaf against Pakistan is a losing bet. One thing which author got right is the fact this all emergency rule is to curtail the powers of Supreme Court. Unfortunately no western country has mentioned restoration of the Judges with thier demand of ending the emergency rule. US has much better chances of succeeding against terrorist with help of a democratic government in pakistan than a dictator like Musharaf or Ashfaq Kiyani.
Comment: Indications of Destabilization
A number of significant incidents have occured in the country which are clear indications of impending destabilization. Such an environment is a breeding ground of terrorists and weakening of democratic and moderate forces. Pakistan's centre of gravity revolves around military and religious base and both have plunged into war with each other. The constitution of Pakistan is held in abeyance and the country is ruled without any law. There are four important pillars of state i.e. judiciary, executive, legislature, media and army in case of Pakistan. Complete judiciary has been house arrested and overwhelmed by the few defectors of executive. Legislature cannot funcion without any constitution and otherwise of rubber stamp in character. Media, the voice of people, is blocked and army is already facing the menace of terrorism and turmoil. Surprisingly, these steps have been taken to wield terrorism but the judges who promoted the terrorists in their recent rulings are now in government's frontline force after taking oath under PCO. The mainstream political leaders have been ousted to provide a smooth run to the president and his party ( consists of defectors of parties whose leadership is in forced exile) However, President is of the opinion that these steps have been taken to restore democracy in the country. How? Can a wise man believe that sun is rising from west? It is the need that the president should fulfill its promise and restore the real democracy in the country in order to defeat the extremist forces which are flourishing in the above mentioned circumstances.
Comment: Ron - This is a great article and I am glad that someone in the media has actually analyzed the issue beyond the lies of Bhutto and Chaudry. Musharraf is no angel but this government has to continue for the good of the world.
Comment: Totally agree
Comment: You are simply folowing the course of self deception. What Musharraf is doing is continuation of the policies of Mr. Bush, whatever the cost. History will tell you brutal supprssion leads to failure. It is only a matter of time. Examples: Could America win Veitnam, Iraq or Aghanistan ? Come on and stand up for justice not for Iftikhar Chaudry or Bhutto. Stand up for Pakistan.
Comment: For once I totally agree with Mr. Zakaria. Bhutto and Sharif are absolutely vile creatures who ran the country into the ground in the 90's. We may hate Musharraf for being a dictator but he has actually given more freedoms than any of out previous administrations. It is unfortunate that we have chosen to bite the hand that feeds us. The people of this Pakistan over the last 8 years have been shown the way to the future, they should get leaders that take them there or they will get the old corrupt leaders that they deserve.
And I don't see anything wrong with him aligning himself with the most powerful country in the world as opposed to a bunch of turban wearing medieval militants who would have us living in the middle ages sooner than you can say "Pakistan Zindabad".
Comment: I think the article fails to mention that General Musharraf was behind the Kargil conflict and worked behind the backs of the Prime Minister which almost resulted in a war. The real reason why he has brought this mess upon Pakistan is that he has been bahaving too much like a politician ... he has been wheeling and dealing with the extremists and the US and as a result has made no one happy.
Comment: FORCING CORRUPT AND LIBERALS ON PAKISTAN
???Don???t put too much load on the Supreme Court that it collapses???, suggested Muneer Malik former president of Supreme Court Bar Association. That is what exactly happened. Corrupt, disgraceful and compromised politicians of Pakistan have let down the people of Pakistan time and time again. Political parties are being run like family businesses, leaders are elected for life.
???British People expect high standards both moraly and integrity from their politicians. Many Pakistanis are asking than why Britain is supporting Benzair Bhutto who created and supprted Taliban and also involved in corrptuion mounting wealth of $2 bilion? I asked the above question to Prime Minsiter Gordon Brown on 25th October 2007 at No.10 Downing Street. Western governments and US should stop backing; protecting and supporting corrupt Pakistani politicians. You cannot have drama of democracy, peace and love for the US and western countries in the region. If Benazir is forced upon Pakistanis she will not be worth more than Mayor of Islamabad like people call Hamid Karzi mayor of Kabul and Nurialmalikee prince of Baghdad Green Zone. People of Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan have learnt the trick against occupation and colonisation, ???kill the collaborators first???.
This elitism in everything is alienating the people of Pakistan. Pakistani public used to seeing its corrupt elite sending their kids to exclusive English medium schools, eating and drinking imported food, wearing foreign made clothes, driving foreign made cars, and now asking foreign investigators to probe an incident just because supposed victim was Benzair and her bunch of cronies.
If West and US is really serious in fighting extremism in Pakistan they should help Pakistan in reforming judicial system. Injustices create extremism and terrorism. The reason people in Swat and North of Pakistan are asking for imposing ???Sharia Law??? is because it is swift and cheap. That is why people resolve their problems by ???Jirgas??? because it is cheap and swift. They cannot afford a lawyer and years of litigation. Less than 100 judges have around 100,0000 cases to decide in high courts and Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Regards
Dr Shahid Qureshi
(Dr Shahid Qureshi is senior award wining investigative journalist and writer on security, foreign policy, and terrorism based in London)
Comment: When faced with a people who have an inherent dual allegiance, religious law or universally accepted laws governing humanity,there must be a protection agaist the state falling into a religious state through popularity. The Turkish revolution is an example of how a constitution has been tested by religious zealots and the Palestinian elections show exactly what can happen if the rule of a constitution is usurped by religious popularity. No state can assume its constitution is secure when a "religion" complete with its own laws is portrayed as just a religion simply to gain protections as if it were no danger to it.
Comment: President Musharraf has rescued the country from the threshold of bankruptcy in 1999. Since then, he has worked hard to teach the politicians what is real politics and what was the conviction of the founder of Pakistan, which is usually misinterpreted by different segments of the country for their political gain. The judiciary if humiliated is just because of their exeggerated supremacy which they acquired after restoration of the former Chief Justice, Iftikhar Choudhary. The judiciary's interruption in administration and suomoto actions in every minute cases led them to this punishment and they must have realised this fact now. The same is with the free media.
alimember gojali, Karachi Pakistan
Comment: I disagree that military is a stabilizing factor in Pakistan. It is actually Musharraf and Pakistan amry that are the very reason that extremism exists in Pakistan. Taliban was originally created by Pakistan Army and during army eight years rule they only flourished in Pakistan. Musharraf is brutally cracking down liberal and secular element in Pakistan and at the same time releasing score of convicted Taliban from jails. Taliban was created by Pakistan Army and this ugly creation won't go away as long as their patorns are in power. USA has given billion of dollars to Pakistan Army to fight terrorism and these dollars has gone into pockets of Army Generals without any serious effort to eradicate the menace of Islamic extremism. Military is shutting down crucial civil society institutions and as a result Al-Qaeda/Taliban are finding room and flourishing in Pakistan.
It is high team that west recognize true face of Musharraf. The only solution to Pakistan problem and extermism is democracy and not Musharraf.
Comment: I Liked our article ,it is balanced and reasonable. Benazir has no popularity in Pakistan as the western media makes people believe, she is spending money to buy loyalties from people how far she can go is yet to be seen the problem is the money she is spending to buy loyalties , if she comes into power she will try to recover the cost and worshippers of Democracy in the west will look the other way when she breaks the law, after all she has flawless English ! but unfortunately her urdu is full of flaws , and the best govts in pakistan so far have been the military govts. Even the shouting lawyers would agree.
Comment: In Pakistan, the army should be in power because they are the least corrupt of all parties. Civiian governments in Pakistan are all hopeless.
Comment: Fareed Zakaria immediately shows his bias in the beginning, making this article pretty much moot and worthless - like a Bush speech. How can anyone take this as factual and truthful? Shame on Newsweek for letteing this go forward as 'news'. Are they now part of the FAUX News family?
Comment: Fareed Zakaria has nailed it. The contrast between Musharraf's first five years and what is happening right now could not be starker. Musharraf has overstayed his welcome but let's not forget that the steps he took (repealing anti-women laws, standing up to the mullahs, liberalization of the media, improving relations with India, sustained economic growth) are unprecedented. In fact it was Benazir's governement and her interior minister Nasirullah Babar (along with the ISI) that was behind the creation of the Taliban.
Comment: Fareed Zakaria has nailed it. The contrast between Musharraf's first five years and what is happening right now could not be starker. Musharraf has overstayed his welcome but let's not forget that the steps he took (repealing anti-women laws, standing up to the mullahs, liberalization of the media, improving relations with India, sustained economic growth) are unprecedented. In fact it was Benazir's governement and her interior minister Nasirullah Babar (along with the ISI) that was behind the creation of the Taliban.
Comment: What a wrong assessment. You must not forget that during his regeim Pakistan has turned into an extremist state, even more than in the Zia era. He promoted extremism under the cover of enlightened moderation. He managed to deceive the western media and the think tanks regarding his approach. If you see the advancement of Talibans in Pakistan. It becomes clear his real vision. The incident of Red Mosque in Islamabad shows what kind of "moderation" he was trying to plant in Pakistan. In 2002 elctions, he brought MMA, a religious alliance that was formed by the agencies under his control. The role of MMA during 5 years proved that MMA means " Military Mullah Alliance". PML (Q) and MMA were partners in Balochistan Govt and sharing the ministries. They had full liberty in spreading their agenda of extremism. Even if we put aside, MMA what this PML (Q) is all about as long as extremism is concerned.
If you have followed the Pakistani politics, it is very clear that leadership of the PML (Q) is known for its radicalism. Just recently Ch. Shujjat Hussain, President of PML(Q) has said that MMA and PML(Q) are natural allies. This is not wrong. When you say, that Musharaf has empowered women by giving them 33% quota in the assemblies. Their role was nothing. If you have ever seen the involvement of elected women members in local bodies, you would be astonished that even in the Union council sessions, husbans and brothers of female members participate on behalf of them. I have personal experience of this. Real empowerment is still in the hands of male relatives. If you follow the statements of Arbab Rahim, Chief Minister of Sindh and Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi, Chief Minister of Punjab, it becomes clear how moderate these people are about women. When they say that women leadership is a "Curse" for Pakistan. When Ms. Neelofer Bakhtiar hugged her 80 years old trainer after a successful paraglidding jump, your moderate leaders removed her from ministry and presidency of women wing. Now even after emergency, which was imposed to curb extremism and terrorism, a crack down was against judiciary, lawers, media, civil society organizations and political workers. Security forces were torturing the protesters very badly. On the other hand, the security forces are surrendering before the Talibans in Swat. No action has been initiated against talibans in Swat at all uptill now. Becuase this is the true agenda of Musharaf to promote talibanization under the cover of enlightened moderation.
All this is happening according to Musharaf's plans.
Abid Shakeel
If you are trying to say that Musharaf has taken Pakistan a
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