Musharraf vendetta hampers Pakistan

[fatman17]

Musharraf vendetta hampers Pakistan

By Farhan Bokhari in Islamabad

Published: July 9 2008

Pakistan’s uneasy ruling coalition between the party of Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated former prime minister, and that of Nawaz Sharif, her erstwhile rival, is facing mounting criticism for its failure to deal with pressing issues, five months after taking power.

Critics say the alliance is practically ignoring worsening political and economic conditions while it focuses on forcing out Pervez Musharraf, the pro-US president who built up his credentials as Washington’s main ally in fighting terrorism.


Such political score-settling is troubling for Pakistan’s allies, particularly the US, who are keen to see the government tackle the deteriorating economy and the fast-spreading influence of Islamic extremists. Meeting such objectives is certain to be compromised in a leadership vacuum.

Richard Boucher, the US assistant secretary of state with responsibility for Pakistan, last week warned elected politicians to stop squabbling over the future of the president and instead tackle important challenges.

“Frankly, President Musharraf is not the issue right now. The problem Pakistani people face is the danger of bombings, suicide bombers and rising food prices,” he said.

Other US officials go *further, warning that the country is becoming directionless. “The problem is that Pakistan needs some kind of centralised control and authority. The challenges faced by Pakistan are so huge that we need a strong central voice. That central element of leadership appears to be increasingly missing, especially when you have so much infighting,” says a Washington official.

Mr Musharraf has found his formerly powerful position severely eroded as with the return to democracy he is no longer appointing ministers and is no longer commanding the military, after giving up his post as army chief late last year.

“Musharraf is completely isolated. He has no ability to make things happen as he was doing before,” says one minister from Ms Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s party.

Meanwhile, the military, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half its 61-year existence as an independent state, is showing some signs of moving towards a more neutral political role. In December, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Mr Musharraf’s successor as army chief, ordered all officers serving in civilian positions to return to their units, reversing eight years of *military involvement in civilian affairs.

“The military and President Musharraf should have had a strong say in daily decision-making. They don’t have the clout they did before,” says a western ambassador in Islamabad. “With the new government showing few signs of becoming active on vital issues, it is almost as if nobody is running Pakistan full-time.”

Hasan Askari Rizvi, a respected Pakistani commentator, warns: “There is a certain slide which is taking place and adding to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan.”

The leadership vacuum comes at a difficult time. The security situation deteriorated this week after a suicide bomb attack in Islamabad, the capital, killed 19 people while at least 40 were injured in six bomb blasts in Karachi, the southern port city.

“These bombings look like the start of an al-Qaeda-backed campaign to destabilise Pakistan,” says a Pakistani intelligence officer in Karachi. “With competing centres of authority between the elected government, president and army chief, we need a clear plan to respond to this situation.”

The uncertainty has coincided with worsening economic prospects. This week the rupee fell to its lowest level against the US dollar and is down more than 18 per cent this year. Inflation is about 19 per cent, the highest level in 30 years, while prices of the main daily commodities have risen by 20-30 per cent in the past year. The trade deficit for the year ended June 30 rose more than 50 per cent, to $20.7bn (€13bn, £10.5bn), said the government. Rising oil prices are an important factor but analysts have criticised the government for its failure to improve economic management.

Shaukat Qadir, a political commentator and former Pakistani general, says: “Unless someone takes charge right now, Pakistan’s future will become extremely uncertain.”

Pakistan’s key figures

Pervez Musharraf, president
His authority was diluted when he gave up his military position last year and weakened further when politicians loyal to him were defeated in February’s elections. His position has been strengthened by discord in the ruling coalition.

Yusuf Raza Gilani, prime minister
Yusuf Raza Gilani is a stalwart of the ruling Pakistan People’s party of ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto. While Mr Gilani is head of the government, his political authority has been thrown into doubt as Asif Zardari, Mrs Bhutto’s widower, has emerged as the most powerful PPP leader.

General Ashfaq Kiyani, army chief of staff
So far, Gen Kiyani has focused his energies on internal reforms and demonstrating that the military is withdrawing from politics. But analysts warn that Pakistan’s worsening conditions could force the military to take charge just as it has done on previous occasions.

Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister
The leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, the junior partner in the ruling coalition, is focused on seeking a return of judges sacked by Pervez Musharraf and on the president’s impeachment. Analysts warn Mr Sharif might leave the coalition over lack of progress on his agenda.

Asif Ali Zardari
Widower of Benazir Bhutto, he was elected by her Pakistan People’s party as
its co-chairman after Ms Bhutto’s assassination last December. He has no formal position in the government but the PPP looks to him for leadership. Some analysts believe Mr Zardari could be a future candidate for prime minister.

http://www.ft.com

 

[Majnun]

Nawaz Sharif is insisting on first bringing back the old judges, as if the government has nothing else to do.
This is hurting Pakistan as all Nawaz Sharif wants is revenge on Musharraf.

 

[JK!]

One mans personal vedetta is letting the country slide towards a worse state than now.

In a word WRONG.

 

[fatman17]

^^^what should be done to save our country?

 

[JK!]

I recall comments from other members about once a coup instigator removes his uniform his power crumbles away.

Seems this is now also the case for Musharraf.

As for saving the country I have said that I will give the goverment the benefit of the doubt so lets hope they pull their fingers out and take some action by letting PAK army do their thing.

I don't think its coup time just yet......

 

[araz]

^^^what should be done to save our country?

+Extermination of vermin comes to mind but then there would not be much left of the NA and Senate.
Unfortunately, ther does not seem to be a solutiona s these people appear to be clueless as to how to run the country. It is incredible , but it just shows that if you dont have a scheme of developemnt of leadership in aparty, how clueless this party becomes when its leader is suddenly taken away. Zardari appears to have been cagey and unsincere to all of his allies. on the chess board, he appears to be playing blacks with a very defensive technique only to result in a stalemate. Gilani is the biggest disappointment, he is neither here or there. I think the end game is to install Zardari as PM after showing how he was forced to take over the reigns as the party slid into chaos.
After all is said and done, nawaz seems to have learnt nothing. He has previously, had a confrontation with Zia(backed out), Ghulam IShaq Khan(both dismissed) and Musharraf(Dismissed). His strategy seems to be to stay out and disassociated so that he has a better hope of winning the next election should they be held soon. I think inspite of how it seems , politically and strategically it seems wise.
I dont think the road back to democracy would be smooth. In fact we will see a lot more turbulance before we see some calm. Unfortunately, the current financial and geopolitical situation does not help either. However, the last thing that we want is the army to take over. Let the politicians fight this battle out by themselves.
regards
Araz

 

[PakistaniPatriot]

^^^what should be done to save our country?

I say we bring about a revolution like it came in Iran. Execute each and every corrupt politician, or watch them suffer. Lets strand Nawaz Shariff, Zardari, Gilani, other politicans and all the judges on a Island. Lets watch them suffer. Live telecast on all the channels of Pakistan. Also kill them barbarically so the future corrupt politicans feel the chill.

 

[Vinod2070]

I say we bring about a revolution like it came in Iran. Execute each and every corrupt politician, or watch them suffer. Lets strand Nawaz Shariff, Zardari, Gilani, other politicans and all the judges on a Island. Lets watch them suffer. Live telecast on all the channels of Pakistan. Also kill them barbarically so the future corrupt politicans feel the chill.

Are only politicians corrupt or they are the easiest scapegoats? why are they elected by the population if they are so bad?

Let's say this harebrained plan is implemented. What next? Do you want that no Pakistani should join politics? Even the honest ones? How do you differentiate?

What you are saying looks good in theory not in practice. It only becomes a witch hunt and an occasion to settle scores for whoever is the current in charge.

Is the Iranian revolution an ideal one for you? Most of the world doesn't agree, most of all the common Iranians who are groaning under the Ayatollahcracy.

 

[araz]

Are only politicians corrupt or they are the easiest scapegoats? why are they elected by the population if they are so bad?

Let's say this harebrained plan is implemented. What next? Do you want that no Pakistani should join politics? Even the honest ones? How do you differentiate?

What you are saying looks good in theory not in practice. It only becomes a witch hunt and an occasion to settle scores for whoever is the current in charge.

Is the Iranian revolution an ideal one for you? Most of the world doesn't agree, most of all the common Iranians who are groaning under the Ayatollahcracy.

Vinod
it is not so much a case of the politicians being corrupt, as being clueless. I fully agree that politicians should be given a chance to sort this mess out, without the army interfering. However, like all well wishers, we want to see it happen overnight!!! The thing which i have a gripe about is the total lack of any positive action that the Government has taken to alleviate this lull. I think patience is a virtue, but at some stage you have got to grab the bull by the horn(Seems similar to what is happenning to our Bull )and get on with the job.
I would however say, this Govtt has been the most unfortunate to have stepped in during this turbulent period. But the worrying thing is not their dedication but their inactivity.
Regards
Araz

 

[PakistaniPatriot]

Are only politicians corrupt or they are the easiest scapegoats? why are they elected by the population if they are so bad?

Let's say this harebrained plan is implemented. What next? Do you want that no Pakistani should join politics? Even the honest ones? How do you differentiate?

What you are saying looks good in theory not in practice. It only becomes a witch hunt and an occasion to settle scores for whoever is the current in charge.

Is the Iranian revolution an ideal one for you? Most of the world doesn't agree, most of all the common Iranians who are groaning under the Ayatollahcracy.

ahhh yes. Why do the people elect the politicians? One of the major problem is that the majority population of Pakistan is iliterate. This time around the people were brainswashed (if you will) by Geo and other certain channels. The current government is not performing to the expectations of the people and that has been realized. As far as I remember these are the same people who refused the stay of Shabaz Shariff just about 4yrs ago. Back then Pakistan did have problems like Geo and restoration of unfair justices and lawyers being led by Aitizaz Ahsan (a RAW agent).

The current government has made Mohammad Shoaib Suddle, the chief of IB. This is not acceptable. This is done so PPP can eliminate their enemies,torture the innocent so they keep their mouth shut. Previous governments have disappeared people for back talk and displaying the truth. Its about time the people pay back that torture.


As far as the matter of others joining politics, they should not join until and unless they understand that their abilities will not be underestimated. The barbaric action described in my previous post were a warning for future candidates willing to take control of the country. Pakistan has gone through enough and its about time the people get what they deserve. Its about time we get leaders in every aspect of government that are willing to prioritize the country's issues then their own politics.

 

[Majnun]

I say we bring about a revolution like it came in Iran. Execute each and every corrupt politician, or watch them suffer. Lets strand Nawaz Shariff, Zardari, Gilani, other politicans and all the judges on a Island. Lets watch them suffer. Live telecast on all the channels of Pakistan. Also kill them barbarically so the future corrupt politicans feel the chill.

Yeah, but we don't want some weird Islamist extremist country like Iran.

 

[Cheetah786]

^^^what should be done to save our country?

Wholesale slaughter only way to fix it now do it now or do it later this will have to happen.each and every politician and his and her relatives All must be killed without any discrimination then and only then we will move ahead.

 

[Cheetah786]

Yeah, but we don't want some weird Islamist extremist country like Iran.

LOL yeah we prefer free Islamic country like Saudi oh wait let me pull up the last time elections were held there oh wait never OK let me see what Islam says about kings and queens oh wait there is no concept of that in Islam either.so yeah you are right we do need that kind of Islamic state and minority rights in Saudi are exemplary its a perfect example of what Islam should be am i right so far.

 

[JK!]

Pakistan should have something like the house of Lords in the UK where respected individuals like ex army generals can have their say and veto notions by a lower house.

 

[Cheetah786]

=

Vinod2070;173862]Are only politicians corrupt or they are the easiest scapegoats? why are they elected by the population if they are so bad?

100% of educated pakistanies dont vote uneducated people vote and its bit complicated but mostly they are told whom to vote for and they just follow.

Let's say this harebrained plan is implemented. What next? Do you want that no Pakistani should join politics? Even the honest ones? How do you differentiate?

You see thats just it educated or honest people that can make a difference aren't allowed to come forward(nawaz sheriff would have pass the 3rd grade if he didn't fail the second and thats not a joke)and he was a prime minister who's father was also know as mian engine chore(thief)what possible he could do for a country when his brain is a size of pea.

What you are saying looks good in theory not in practice. It only becomes a witch hunt and an occasion to settle scores for whoever is the current in charge.

Helloooooooo so far since the new government took over office its been nothing but a wich hunt.which economic policy have they initiated other then in house fighting or going to dubai to carry out national meetings.prime minster knees are already dirty he was in saudia begging for money instead to trying to fix the economy.

Is the Iranian revolution an ideal one for you? Most of the world doesn't agree, most of all the common Iranians who are groaning under the Ayatollahcracy

.

Iran is independent of any international debt they are heading towards self reliance tell me one country in the west that will like that.and the only reason few people are complaing is because of west has put all kinds of sanction on the country and so called Muslim ummah(saudia pretends to be anti west and anti israel what a joke)is actually helping the west in its prusuit to keep muslims from growing.if suddenly all kinds of sanctions are put on india dont tell me every indian will be happy.