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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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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