Musharraf’s
Pakistan or Our Pakistan?
By Shahid Khan
Former President
Pakistan Society of North Texas
Dallas, Texas
A wise man once said, “Hope
is not a strategy.” For over five decades,
the people of Pakistan have been hoping for the
best. Following the true leadership of Quaid-e-Azam
and Liaqat Ali Khan, Pakistan has witnessed several
so-called leaders from Ghulam Mohammad to Nawaz
Sharif. This series of “leaders” clearly
indicates the plight of the people of Pakistan.
These “leaders” misled and robbed
the people of Pakistan in the name of emergency
and democracy. They made endless promises, and
the people believed them every time. The emergence
of mullahs and their newfound political power
did not change any thing for the people. Rather,
many of them created chaos, intolerance, hypocrisy
and bigotry in the country.
Today, a majority of the “leaders”
have been playing political games to acquire power
and to serve their own interests. They have always
looked to fulfill their own materialistic wishes
before opening their eyes to see the sufferings
of the common Pakistani. These “leaders”
have blatantly lied, cheated and deceived in order
to grab power and to line their pockets with poor
people’s money.
They have little, if any, understanding of the
changing world, and they lack vision. These corrupt
“leaders” have only one mission: to
seize power and use it to their advantage. The
country has watched helplessly as these “leaders”
have robbed the people of their wealth, their
hopes and their future.
My question to fellow Pakistanis is: How much
longer will we put up with these “leaders”?
They are not interested in democracy — just
check their track record. Their eyes are fixed
on power and on the national treasury. All their
antics are for this reason alone — not democracy.
Fortunately, the arrival of “An Officer
and a Gentleman” on the political scene
has ushered in an era of historical proportions.
General Musharraf’s honesty, integrity,
vision, resolve and love for Pakistan is the driving
force behind Pakistan’s progress today.
No one can deny his discipline, tireless work
and relentless pursuit for a modern and prosperous
Pakistan of which the people of Pakistan will
be the true beneficiaries. not just a few, opportunistic
leaders, feudal lords, vaderas, sardars, nawabs
and jagirdars.
Not everything that President Musharraf is doing
is perfect (remember, we do not live in a perfect
world). Nonetheless, he has given a great start.
By restoring civil liberties and freedom of press,
empowering people at grassroots level, reviving
the economy, building the much-needed infrastructure
and cracking down on corruption and nepotism,
he has laid the foundation of an edifice of true
democracy in Pakistan. Additionally, he is working
hard to abolish the quota system, to promote education
reforms, to reward people on the basis of merit,
to encourage new talent and to give women their
due rights.
In fact, freedom of press in Pakistan is unprecedented
today. Due to the free press, most of the political
parties and leaders are still in business. The
leaders get fair and full coverage in print and
electronic media, regardless of their level of
support among the masses.
All the progress that is being made in every sector
is remarkable and unprecedented. There is now
a steady flow of foreign investment, impressive
stock market performance, a robust commercial
and industrial activity, a thriving construction
sector and the initiation of large projects nationwide.
These are indicative of President Musharraf’s
vision and resolve. Even President Musharraf’s
harshest critics in the West admire his accomplishments
at home and around the world.
Western media used to believe that Pakistan was
a failed state and was on the brink of bankruptcy.
That opinion has changed dramatically, thanks
to President Musharraf and his able prime minister
and finance minister, Shaukat Aziz. Now western
media claims that Pakistan is progressing in a
very positive way. One day, Pakistan will emerge
as a power in South Asia. Insha-Allah, those days
are not too far away. The World Bank, the International
Monetary Fund, the United Nations and all leading
financial institutions in the United States and
Europe are full of praise for the economic revolution
underway in Pakistan.
President Musharraf’s well thought-out decision
to join the international community to fight the
menace of terrorism has certainly disappointed
the enemies of Pakistan. However, this decision
is good for the country. Today, Pakistan is looked
upon as a responsible and important country in
the world — not as an enclave of some misguided
religious bigots. President Bush’s decision
to sell F-16s to Pakistan is a clear vindication
of Musharraf’s policies, which are essential
for Pakistan’s survival. President Musharraf’s
right decisions have ensured the security and
integrity of the country.
Inevitably, it will take time to clean up the
mess created by decades of neglect, corruption,
mismanagement and incompetence of past leaders.
Patience is definitely a virtue. The journey to
a bright future has already started though President
Musharraf cannot move the country forward by himself.
The time has come for each and every Pakistani
to examine his/her attitude and mindset. Everyone
must sincerely and honestly contribute to make
Pakistan a prosperous, strong, law-abiding and
modern country. Pakistani people must accept the
responsibility to change Pakistan for the better.
Pakistan is at a the crossroads. God has given
us a real opportunity to change our fate. History
will not forgive us if we shy away from our responsibility.
This is not just Musharraf’s Pakistan —
it is our Pakistan. Pakistan belongs to the people.
This is the time for the silent majority to stand
up and be counted. We must show the world that
we are with President Musharraf — and we
support him to create a modern and prosperous
Pakistan.
Pakistan Zindabad.
.
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