Legacy of
President General Musharraf
By Faruk Zia
Los Angeles, CA
It’s disturbing and disenchanting to witness
the irrational behavior of General Musharraf’s
regime. To selectively stop the freedom of expression
by some Pakistanis yet allowing the same privilege
to others meeting his personal interest is a blatant
act of dictatorship and autocracy.
Prior to imposition of emergency, General Musharraf
was worthy of praise for his “enlightened
moderation” policies and strategy to navigate
Pakistan on the correct path. The radical actions
followed by the declaration of emergency leads
one to think whether his rational thinking y is
overtaken by some domestic or foreign hawks or
if he really thinks it’s the right strategy
to flex his muscle. Regardless, his actions tend
to make a mockery of his own enlightened moderation
mantra.
Not taking responsibility or actions against police
brutality of beatings, harassments, intimidations,
arrests without charge, shutting down of media
outlets and corrupting the judiciary system by
seeking new oath from friendly judges cannot win
the hearts and minds of people, whether Pakistani
or others abroad. True test of democracy comes
at times like these when an honest leader lets
the principals prevail over personal interest.
Year 2007 turned out to be a bad year for General
Musharraf. It seems he picked up bad karma by
surrounding himself with ill fated advisors, be
it the advice on Chief Justice reference or his
decision to make a deal with the corrupt, twice
failed Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. People have
not forgotten that she, along with her husband
nicknamed Mr.10% (later Mr. 30%), looted billions
of dollars and left the country. General Musharraf’s
own government pursued her internationally to
recover the stolen money and fueled the foreign
courts to pursue legal action against her. How
can he now justify partnering with her and make
backend deals to forgive her without any restitution
or apology to the nation? Who are they kidding?
Furthermore, naivety of the American media and
Congress that is heavily influenced by her lobbyist
organization is eating off her palm under the
guise that she is anti-religious parties and democratic
pro-American candidate that will serve as a backup
to General Musharraf. A wishful thinking indeed!
It’s refreshing to witness the recent struggle
by reputable media representatives and the principled
stand by many lawyers and judges. Their personal
sacrifices and risk of lives in an autocratic
society should not be taken lightly. Their choice
to stand up for liberty and freedom and denounce
the wrong is indeed honorable and commendable.
If indeed what is happening during these days
is General Musharraf’s own design to manipulate
the political process by blindsiding the public
then it’s clear that he is no more worthy
of same trust. What else can and will he do to
justify the wrong? In his speech he said he is
not like those who surrender and if needed he
will give his life for Pakistan. Over the past
five years General Musharraf appeared to be the
man that Pakistan longed for, but now that hope
too is slowly dimming and darkness again shrouds
Pakistan. Is this the legacy he wants to leave
behind? Is this how he wants people to remember
him all around the world who in so many ways viewed
him as a hero?
Pakistan does not owe anything to anyone. Pakistan’s
values are reflective of its people, where it
offered something to others in their moment of
need even when it didn’t have enough for
its own. Pakistan fought America’s war with
the Russians Afghanistan that gave birth to America
as a sole Super Power; shared its already destitute
resources with over 3 million Afghani refugees;
suffered economic consequences of embargos imposed
by Americans for nuclear test that in the first
place was an anonymous reward by the American
CIA to fight the Russian war.
Musharraf, Bhutto, Sharif or any other political
figure that claims to be the only savior of Pakistan
or portrays himself/herself as the last hope for
Pakistan must not forget that before each of them
Pakistan existed and after their departure Pakistan
will continue to exist, no matter what. They should
consider their privilege to serve Pakistan and
not vice versa. Let them not forget that everyone
is dispensable and the world doesn’t revolve
around one person.
Pakistanis must also reject any financial aid
that is offered on a quid-pro-quo basis. Feudalism,
autocracy, theocratic rule and tribal systems
must end from Pakistani society, which unfortunately
has also crept into the institutions as an acceptable
part of the culture. Individual Pakistanis must
be prepared to sacrifice their personal interest
for better change in their society. Individualism
and selfishness to loot the nation at any level
must be replaced with acts and deeds of national
interest. Abolition of nepotism, payola, bribes,
mob mentality remains the responsibility of individual
Pakistani.
How democratic is it that in the past thirty years
Pakistan could only elect governments that were
lead by either a Bhutto or a Sharif? What kind
of democracy is this? How democratic is Ms. Benazir
Bhutto when she elected herself as the lifetime
Chairperson of her own Party? This means that
if the Peoples Party remains popular she will
remain in power. Workers of political parties
must demand reform in their own parties for the
sake of Pakistan and to ensure the rise of pure
talent from the greater society. This masquerade
can only end when ordinary people start believing
in themselves more and reject those clamoring
for democracy when under the cloak live the autocrats.
Pakistanis deserve better. They have the right
to know through the watchful lenses of the electronic
media and right to hold the politicians, military,
legislature, executive branch, judiciary, bureaucrats,
and others fully accountable. Free press and cameras
should be allowed in the courtrooms and parliaments
so that the Pakistani people may see unobstructed
views of their servants. Pakistanis must demand
the end of corrupt and convoluted system that
is infested with nepotism and self-serving dealings.
Sectarianism must be replaced with nationalism.
The United States must also stop meddling in the
internal affairs of Pakistan and limit its interest
to negotiate an honest and mutually desirable
pact to serve the common interest of fighting
terrorism, illegal arms control and drug smuggling
from Afghanistan through the corridors of Pakistan
into the United States. American tax payers’
billions of dollars should not feed the hogs in
the name of foreign aid but put to use for the
benefit of people of both nations with full accountability.
Ordinary Pakistanis don’t receive nor do
they desire a handout. Pakistanis are too proud
to ask for alms. Pakistanis desire Free Trade
and economic development considerations from foreign
supporters that may help alleviate poverty through
economic prosperity so the society on the whole
may prosper.
The people of Pakistan don’t need outside
expertise on how to run their country or solve
their problems when in fact that nation has produced
thousands of talented people who are successful
in various professions, businesses and governments
in foreign countries where they have proven their
worth. Proof of Pakistan’s success also
lies in its ability to develop nuclear technology
that no other Muslim nation has been able to duplicate.
Pakistanis are exceptionally capable of running
their own country responsibly perhaps with more
passion provided the rope from their necks is
removed and they remain genuinely free.
May God free Pakistan of its difficulties and
change the hearts and minds of its leaders to
serve as honest servants. Pakistan’s stability
is good for Pakistan, good for the United States,
and good for its neighbors and trading partners.
Long live Pakistan!
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