No! Not Mr Zardari
By Naveed Khan
San Jose, CA
As a long term member and an ardent supporter of PPP's progressive and people-friendly policies, I vehemently oppose Asif Zaradri’s candidature for the prestigious position of President. Nobody can deny Zardari's democratic credentials and his ability to keep his party together. I have serious doubts about his credentials to occupy that post.
For almost nine years, Musharraf, flouted laws, reneged on his promises, subverted constitution and manipulated political parties and establishment to continue his hold on power. Now, Pakistan needs a President with impeccable integrity and honesty. A president that would be a symbol of the country's sovereignty and independence and one who would respect various institutions. Even remotely, Mr. Zardari does not match this criterion. To entrust such a role to a person whose past is tainted both internally and in foreign countries is fraught with monumental dangers for the integrity of Pakistan.
How would he defend Pakistan's solidarity and integrity in light of enormous threats when his own moral and ethical integrity is suspect? He would always succumb to external pressures because of his tainted and compromised personal history.
More astonishingly, MQM and ANP, the two political parties representing Pakistan’s middle class have offered unconditional support to a feudal from Sindh with dubious integrity. I hope that the elected legislators of the National and Provincial Assemblies would vote according to their conscience and not worry about party affiliation.
