Musharraf’s
State of the Union Speech
By Dr Ahmad Faruqui
Dansville, CA
One of the nice things about
American democracy is that it requires the president
to address both houses of Congress once a year
on the State of the Union. If President Musharraf
faced a similar requirement, what would he say?
This column contains my interpretation, derived
from Musharraf’s speeches that are archived
on his website (http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/PresidentialSpeeches.aspx.).
“Honorable Parliamentarians! I am pleased
to present to you a summary of our accomplishments
during the past year. As you know, it was a difficult
year. But we not only survived the challenges
that came our way but made impressive strides
forward. To place the year in perspective, let
us step back in time to October 12, 1999, when
I took over the reins of this country under dire
circumstances.
“Within five days, I presented to you our
seven-point mission statement. This articulated
our aims and objectives. For the record, I am
stating it here. Firstly, rebuild national confidence
and morale. Secondly, strengthen the federation,
remove inter provincial disharmony and restore
national cohesion. Thirdly, revive the economy
and restore investor confidence. Fourthly, ensure
law and order and dispense speedy justice. Fifthly,
de-politicize state institutions. Sixthly, devolve
power to the grassroots level. And seventhly,
ensure swift and across the board accountability.
I am proud to tell you that we have progressed
on all seven fronts.
“Last year, Pakistan was rocked with a terrible
natural catastrophe on October 8th . The Pakistan
Army responded immediately and effectively. In
fact, its response has become a textbook case
on how to respond in such situations. I spoke
on this topic at the World Economic Forum summit
in Davos. The World Bank estimated a need for
more than $5 billion to rebuild the affected area.
Funds were slow in coming so I convened a Donors
Conference in Islamabad and raised the necessary
funds in one day.
On the economic front, we have made major strides.
The World Bank has listed Pakistan as one of the
world’s top 10 places in which to invest.
Both unemployment and poverty have decreased and
I expect this trend to continue. When the economy
grows, it has a “trickle down” effect
that cannot be doubted. This is a fundamental
principle of economics. Per capita income is an
accurate gauge of national well-being and I am
happy to tell you that Pakistan has finally become
a middle-income country.
“After reviewing the water situation in
the country, I proposed the building of four dams
on the Indus. They will, inshallah, be built by
2016 and I will personally lay the foundation
stone for the first one at Basha.
“On the social front, we have empowered
women and minorities for the first time in the
history of our country. On the political front,
I have introduced real democracy in the country
by holding elections at all levels. This has only
been possible because I am in uniform.
“As you know, there are three power brokers
in the country: the prime minister, the president
and the army chief. We have created the National
Security Council (NSC) to create a balance between
these three individuals. Its primary purpose is
to prevent the army chief from taking over by
giving him an opportunity for holding a dialogue
with the other power brokers. Additionally, the
NSC will sanction the prime minister if he malfunctions
or loots the country. Finally, the NSC will prevent
the president from illegally dismissing the assemblies.
“The NSC is the only way forward for Pakistan.
I have been army chief in a political government
and in that setup, I did not know how to prevent
the country from being declared a terrorist state
or to prevent the economy from collapsing. Ladies
would come over to me and request that I take
over. The NSC will eliminate the need for ladies
to place such demands on future army chiefs.
“On the electoral front, we have conducted
local body elections after four years. Elections
for the Senate and National Assemblies will be
conducted on time in 2007. All assemblies will
complete their tenure and everything will move
according to the wishes of the people of the Pakistan.
“I have given complete freedom to the Pakistani
media and it compares with the best in any developed
country. I firmly believe that the media are the
watchdogs of our polity and must be allowed to
criticize the government. In a democracy, everybody
has the right to speak out his or her grievances
as long as they don’t threaten national
security.
“The military is stronger than ever and
is, mash’Allah, continuing to transform
the social and political fabric of the country,
in addition to guarding the borders against aggressors.
Whether you like it or not, it is the only institution
that gives national cohesion to Pakistan. The
political system is still very weak and full of
‘irritants’ that continue to be on
the payroll of foreigners. I am proud to say that
we now have 70,000 Sindhi soldiers in the army.
When they go home, they do so without fear of
being pressurized by their feudal lord. Each feudal
tyrant knows that behind every soldier there is
a general.
“As most of you know, I am working to change
the sardari system in Balochistan, which has become
an obstacle to our progress. Contrary to rumors,
no army operation is going on in that province.
The Frontier Corps is simply restoring law and
order. They are also helping people who had been
evicted by the sardars return to their homeland.
I am pursuing mega-development projects that will
help Balochis.
“Let me close with a statement about my
personal beliefs. Many people say that my doctrine
of enlightened moderation is an eyewash and I
am a puppet of the West. I resent such accusations.
Not only am I from the family of the Holy Prophet
(PBUH), but God has allowed me to go and pray
inside the Kaaba half a dozen times. The “door
of forgiveness” has been opened for me and
I have cried the takbir from the rooftop of Kaaba,
just like Hazrat Bilal did in the beginning. In
Madina, the doors of the Prophet’s tomb
have been opened for me. So no one should doubt
my Islamic integrity.
“Through hard work and with the cooperation
of the military, I have put the country on the
right track. But much work remains to be done.
I give you my solemn word that I am prepared to
lead you for as long it takes to accomplish the
mission that destiny has conferred on me. Pakistan
Paindabad.”
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