Revolution in Pakistan?

[niaz]

An article published in today' Dawn



Pakistan in crisis




By Mahmood Shah


PAKISTAN is heading towards a political meltdown. It has fallen into a state of non-governance in the face of grave threats to its security. The situation can change if the country reinvents and rediscovers itself miraculously at this eleventh hour. This article is not designed to create despondency but to give an objective assessment of what is happening within the country and outside. An ostrich-like attitude will not really help.

The fact is that Talibanisation is taking over the country rapidly due to the lack of any tangible counter-strategy from the government’s side. The religious extremists are openly challenging the government’s writ every day and personnel of the police, Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Corps and other security agencies are being killed or kidnapped by the dozens. The government appears to be clueless about how to respond to the crisis. The extremists are not considerable in number but through sheer terror tactics they are forcing more and more people into submission. The area under their control is increasing day by day and that under the government’s jurisdiction is shrinking.

The government is resorting to shadow boxing in the media. It is constantly debating whether negotiation or the use of force is the best option. Is the threat to Peshawar real or imaginary? These are actually irrelevant discussions at this point in time. While we just talk, on the other side of the border the US-led coalition forces have redeployed themselves in Afghanistan.

They are massed across the Durand Line facing Pakistan. USS Abraham Lincoln, the aircraft carrier, has moved closer to our shores. Scores of foreign journalists are swarming all over Peshawar as they probably expect some military action in the near future. The rhetoric in Washington against Pakistan is increasing by the day. The statements from Afghanistan are assuming threatening proportions. Pakistan appears to be on a collision course and the die appears to be heavily loaded against it.

Are our leaders aware of the dangers that lurk around us? Do they have plans to deal with the situation? Let us hope they do but the people are not convinced.

The problems are enormous but not insurmountable. This is the time for the elected leadership to rise to the occasion and mobilise the people behind it. There is need for a debate in parliament with all the political parties participating irrespective of their affiliations.

All the agreements Pakistan, as a front-line state, has reached with the US in this war on terror must be brought into the open and debated. Only those commitments which are in the best interest of Pakistan should be retained while the remaining need to be scrapped with the contempt that they deserve. The policy thus worked out for dealing with internal strife and external threats should be implemented by all the agencies of the state including the army and the ISI.

Anyone failing to do so must be dealt with in accordance with the law of the land. If a robust policy is articulated at that level, the challenge can be met with the resources available. Even if we are in the midst of an international conspiracy, as many believe, we cannot deny that the stated aim of the US in the region is to fight its war on terror. Yet some people strongly feel that the Americans have a hidden agenda that is directed against Pakistan. US military maps do not show countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan but a Eurasian landmass with air bases and arcs of coverage. The US would like to stay in this region because of its proximity to Russia which could become a superpower if it reorders its economy. China, which also borders this region, is another superpower in the making.

The US also has an interest in Iran. Pakistan is the only nuclear state in the Islamic world and it is felt that the centre of gravity of the war on terror in Afghanistan is being pushed towards Pakistan with a purpose and under a plan. After all the US is the senior-most and most powerful member of the tripartite commission. Why can’t it coordinate with the other two members on vital issues?

Afghanistan is an occupied country for all practical purposes and the statements by President Hamid Karzai should not be taken lightly because he may be speaking in his master’s voice. The blast outside the Indian embassy in Kabul cannot be attributed to the ISI so easily because the time selected is most inopportune from Pakistan’s point of view. It appears, according to some circles, that some big game is being orchestrated from somewhere and that the target is Pakistan.

Will our leadership rise and measure up to the occasion? If it does, the nation will not fail its leaders.

The writer, a retired brigadier of the Pakistan Army, is a former secretary home and tribal affairs, NWFP and secretary Fata.

mahmoodshah@mahmoodshah.com

link is here


DAWN - Opinion; July 22, 2008

 

[Logic note]

Revolution in any society needs an ability to question and criticize every aspect of its old social consciousness .
This is very difficult in a society which identifies it self with a faith (belief system) .

Modernity in West came with its ability to question its rigid faith during renaissance . In India it came with modern education and reformist like Madan Mohan Roy , Mahatma Gandhi and B.R Amdebkar .

unfortunately in Pakistan faith was strengthened by its narrow minded leaders and politicians .

 

[muse]

"Will our leadership rise and measure up to the occasion? If it does, the nation will not fail its leaders."


I personally do not think the so called democractic politicians can offer leadership - they simply cannot accept responsibility -- Blame Musharraf all you like, but he took responsibility. The so called "democrats" will find it easier to blame others for doing something they cannot muster the courage to do.

recall the midnight speech of Musharraf - we cannot fall any lower -- now, recall how the nation responded to being told the truth --

Make a decision, and stick to it come hell or high water untill your will, your resolve prevails, this is THE prescription for the saving of Pakistan.

 

[niaz]

An article published in todays Dawn aptly summs up the conditions.

A triple crisis

By Cyril Almeida

THE transition to a more democratic system is in peril. A triple crisis of politics, militancy and the economy is the battering ram at the door of Pakistan’s government. Each limb of the crisis is feeding off and compounding the other.

While the vultures may be circling, the victim, the government, is prostrate and making it easier for them.Each week brings a new candidate for the leader of the incompetent — our political class. Last weekend the country bumpkin in the PM House staked his claim. So ghastly was the PM’s performance that damage control has overshadowed a speech that was itself meant as an exercise in damage control of the government’s evaporating reputation. The speech itself though wasn’t the problem but a symptom of what is wrong in Islamabad right now.

Let’s start at the beginning. For better or worse, a space has been created for politicians to govern. So far it has been a baptism of fire. Economic turmoil and rampaging militants have challenged the government mightily. But there is no doubt that space for the civilians to govern exists — for now. The political problem boils down to this: Nawaz wants the judges in and Musharraf out; Asif wants the judges out and Musharraf in. Sure, Asif may not — indeed cannot — really care about the judges and Musharraf’s fate more than his own, but political commitments have forced him to hitch his star to their fate. It is what it is.

So now what? Asif’s strategy has been to wait it out in the hope that Musharraf or CJ Iftikhar will do something stupid and make their positions untenable or that Nawaz will yield. Neither has happened so far. The problem is the economic and militancy crises have not stayed still. But this was entirely predictable. What has been disastrous for the transition is a government that has vacillated in response to its problems.

Economically there is not much the government can do at the moment — our plight may have worsened more quickly than should have been the case, but it is driven by international factors that are out of our hands. Yet international weaknesses have nothing to do with local distortions. The oil pricing mechanism in Pakistan is loaded in favour of oil marketing companies and retailers but they are considered too powerful to be taken on. PM Gilani told us that he knows who the wheat hoarders are but no handcuffs have been slapped on anyone. The stock market fundamentals may be weak but small investors are getting a raw deal from the clubby world of market regulators and the big fish. Targeted subsidies to the poor have been promised but the sense of urgency to get food and cash in the hands of the poor is lacking.

These are not economic challenges, they are political and administrative roadblocks that ought to be tackled in times of crisis at least. You don’t keep fumbling for the keys to your house if it is on fire, you break down the door.

The policy to deal with militants acting with impunity across the country is the other failure. The militants rampaging across the country will not be defeated in a week, a month or a year. The problems are too deep, the system too corrupt and the issues too complex for a ready solution. But a week, month or year of drift in Islamabad can cause long-term damage that years of smart strategy will struggle to undo.

The reason is simple: at this moment the militants are in the ascendant and looking to expand their areas of control. Dislodging militants once they have pressed forward has proved notoriously difficult because it is deeply unpopular politically. That does not mean nothing can be done. The government can fight a more effective battle for the hearts and minds of the public. Right now it is on the defensive — a coy, reticent demeanour presented when what is required is the pounding of fists.

The prime minister talks of talks with militants but the details are vague. This is part necessity and part confusion. It is by design because there is no one cause of militancy. Local and Afghan Taliban; sectarian warriors; followers of different schools of Islamic thought; Al Qaeda; and middle eastern, north African and central Asian militants are fighting the Pakistan state, the Afghan government, the Americans, Isaf and each other in overlapping, confusing local and regional conflagrations. The method of dealing with each aspect of this toxic brew of militancy depends on the local resources — political, military and counterinsurgent — of the state and the degree to which a particular area is currently inflamed. There will necessarily be differences between how Mohmand is handled compared to Khyber or how Hangu is treated compared to South Waziristan.

But what is damaging for the government is the muddled articulation of its anti-militancy strategy and its inability to keep the centre, the NWFP government, the army and the political administration of the tribal areas on the same page. Assume Gen Kayani genuinely intends to have his army follow the political leadership’s directions in the war against militants. Policy confusion will encourage him to think twice. Now assume Gen Kayani does not genuinely intend to have his army yield to the civilians. Policy confusion will give his army the excuse it needs to exert wider, and maybe more direct, control. Either way, the transition to civilian, elected rule is in trouble, fuelled by the government’s deficit of trust and confidence.

Politics affects the economy and militancy; the latter affect politics. Right now all are pulling each other down. But if it’s so obvious, why are the politicians behaving so recklessly?

What’s wrong with Pakistan? The answer: clearly plenty. Depending on who you speak to, the diagnosis will range from the triple crisis to poverty and illiteracy and from politicians to the judges and Musharraf. And befitting a nation of talkers, there are plenty of people with a prognosis, gloomy or otherwise.

But, like our reckless politicians, few seem to recognise that often half the solution to a problem lies in asking the right questions. When the coalition leaders meet, the nation will demand answers on the judges, Musharraf and the price of fuel. But before working on those answers, the leaders should reflect on what the right questions are for Pakistan right now. The transition to a more democratic future for Pakistan may depend on which set of questions they choose to address — the obvious one or the important one. n

cyril.a@gmail.com
DAWN - Opinion; July 23, 2008

 

[NoEscape]

'French Revolution' knocking at the door of Pak to hang corrupt politicians: MQM chief

Karachi, Sep 3(ANI): Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has said that his party will not allow any corrupt political leader or feudal lord to escape, and insisted that all the looted wealth would be returned to the national exchequer.


"A revolution similar to the French Revolution is knocking at the door of Pakistan and the MQM will lead that change," The Daily Times quoted Hussain, as saying.
"All airports will be closed and these corrupt elements will be hanged publicly, so that no one would make an attempt to promote corruption in the country again," he added.


The MQM chief further said that hunger and poverty have compelled the country's citizens to bring such a revolution.


"The flood victims are without food and shelter and they are ready to bring such revolution because a similar situation was witnessed before the French Revolution and the people took to the streets to bring a positive change," Hussain said.


Earlier, Hussain had said that his party would support steps similar to martial law against "corrupt politicians" to weed out the menace of corruption.


He had urged "patriotic generals to initiate martial law-like steps against feudal politicians and former generals who disgraced the army institution during the Soviet-Afghan war".


"The MQM is ready to take any risk for steps taken against political stalwarts for eradicating corruption and benefiting the country. To nip the major evils of society, it is sometimes acceptable to support the minor ones," Hussain had said.


He had further demanded the initiation of cases of mass murder against 'influentials and landlords' saying that they were blocking the country's development.


"These influentials and landlords have always created hurdles for the poor and middle classes, restraining them from entering politics to serve their country," Hussain said.

'French Revolution' knocking at the door of Pak to hang corrupt politicians: MQM chief

 

[Nahraf]

Altah Hussain may be serving good purpose by pointing to feudalism and corruption in Pakistan. The flooded and homeless people will be more inclined to violent actions if the government fails to provide them relief and shelter in few weeks. The anger may spill over and the government officials, politicians and local feudal landlords living in their palatial homes will be obvious targets.

 

[Icarus]

This statement can be simplified by saying that we are very close to a senseless, bloody orgy of murder and bloodshed. Which can only be avoided if the inflation is controlled. However, now would be a good time to embrace for a price hike in food prices of proportions previously unheard of because with 240 Arab Rupees(24 Billion) worth of crops destroyed, I'm afraid jewel thieves will be seen raiding bakeries for bread.

 

[EjazR]

Altaf urges army to help people bring about revolution

KARACHI: Reiterating his stance that the country needs a revolution similar to that of the French Revolution, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has asked the Pakistan army and the country’s “establishment” to support the masses that, he said, are compelled to bring about a “change” to weed out corruption and feudal system.

He said his party would lead the revolution which was knocking at the door of the country and not allow “corrupt politicians and feudal lords” to escape the country with looted wealth.

He said this in his address over the telephone from London at the launching ceremony of MQM leader Anis Ahmed Kaimkhani’s book “Mera Quaid” here at the party headquarters on Thursday.

Mr Hussain said that price hike, poverty, hunger and miseries of millions of flood-affected people who were living without shelter and food would compel the masses to take to streets and start a revolution that no one could dare to stop.

Maintaining that no one, including big and powerful armies, could stop the people from bringing about a change, he asked the army and the ‘establishment’ to support the masses.

He urged the people to get ready to start a revolution on the lines of the French Revolution.

Mr Hussain said that the MQM would lead the revolution and would not allow corrupt political leaders and feudal lords to escape the country. “The MQM will get back the looted wealth from them in the national exchequer.”

He said that the corrupt elements would be hanged publicly so that no one could ever dare to loot the public exchequer.

Referring to his recent speech in which he called upon the “patriotic generals” to take a “martial law like action” to weed out corruption from the country, he said all looters and corrupts had ganged up against him to demand the registration of a sedation case to try him for violating Article 6 of the Constitution.

Mr Hussain said that he was not afraid of the registration of any case under Article 6 of the Constitution and urged the people not get worried since he had no fear.

About Mr Kaimkhani’s book, he appreciated his efforts and asked the party workers to follow him and write their experience during their struggle.

Donation of five

thousand pounds

Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has donated an additional sum of five thousand pounds to the flood-hit people of the country, the PPI adds.

He made the donation during a telethon on a private TV channel to a welfare organisation, Society for Unwell and Needy (SUN).

Mr Hussain’s daughter Afza Altaf also donated two hundred pounds from her pocket money.

This amount is in addition to the Rs5 million that Mr Hussain has already deposited in a fund for the flood-affected people.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the country was facing the worst disaster of its history and millions of people were rendered homeless during the floods.

He said it was not possible for the government alone to meet such a huge challenge and appealed to all Pakistanis to come forward to help their brothers in need.

He asked the people not to send any gift to him on Eid and donate the money in the fund for flood-affected people.

Birthday celebrations cancelled

The Coordination Committee of the MQM has cancelled all birthday celebrations of MQM chief Altaf Hussain in view of the flood situation in the country on the instruction of Mr Hussain.

In a statement, the committee has asked all the MQM workers that in view of the devastation of the floods, the MQM chief has asked the workers that instead of cutting cakes on the occasion and sending gifts to the international secretariat of the party, the money should be donated to the Khidmat-i-Khalq Foundation for relief work.

The committee has asked the workers and the public to offer special prayers for Mr Hussain on September 17 (his birthday) for this health and long life.

 

[GUNNER]

Wow.. who but Mr Altaf Husain - sitting in London for more than 15 years - could foresee 'french revoltuion' in Pakistan !

Who does he think he is? Khomeini?

 

[Icarus]

Wow.. who but Mr Altaf Husain - sitting in London for more than 15 years - could foresee 'french revoltuion' in Pakistan !

Who does he think he is? Khomeini?

Na, he thinks he is Lenin, Lenin was more charismatic than Khomeini !

 

[Speaker]

Altaf urges army to help people bring about revolution

He urged the people to get ready to start a revolution on the lines of the French Revolution.

...he said all looters and corrupts had ganged up against him to demand the registration of a sedation case to try him for violating Article 6 of the Constitution.

Mr Hussain said that he was not afraid of the registration of any case under Article 6 of the Constitution and urged the people not get worried since he had no fear.

What a joker. If he is really that brave, what is he doing giving war-cries from London?

 

[Nahraf]

I think Pakistan desperately needs a Maoist army to fight Zamindars, Waderas, tribal leaders, corrupt politicians and government officials.

 

[GentlemanObserver]

'French Revolution' knocking at the door of Pak to hang corrupt politicians: MQM chief

Karachi, Sep 3(ANI): Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has said that his party will not allow any corrupt political leader or feudal lord to escape, and insisted that all the looted wealth would be returned to the national exchequer.


"A revolution similar to the French Revolution is knocking at the door of Pakistan and the MQM will lead that change," The Daily Times quoted Hussain, as saying.
"All airports will be closed and these corrupt elements will be hanged publicly, so that no one would make an attempt to promote corruption in the country again," he added.


The MQM chief further said that hunger and poverty have compelled the country's citizens to bring such a revolution.


"The flood victims are without food and shelter and they are ready to bring such revolution because a similar situation was witnessed before the French Revolution and the people took to the streets to bring a positive change," Hussain said.


Earlier, Hussain had said that his party would support steps similar to martial law against "corrupt politicians" to weed out the menace of corruption.


He had urged "patriotic generals to initiate martial law-like steps against feudal politicians and former generals who disgraced the army institution during the Soviet-Afghan war".


"The MQM is ready to take any risk for steps taken against political stalwarts for eradicating corruption and benefiting the country. To nip the major evils of society, it is sometimes acceptable to support the minor ones," Hussain had said.


He had further demanded the initiation of cases of mass murder against 'influentials and landlords' saying that they were blocking the country's development.


"These influentials and landlords have always created hurdles for the poor and middle classes, restraining them from entering politics to serve their country," Hussain said.

'French Revolution' knocking at the door of Pak to hang corrupt politicians: MQM chief

"These influentials and landlords have always created hurdles for the poor and middle classes, restraining them from entering politics to serve their country," Hussain said.

Serious Altaf bahi is lolz. I mean this guy is hiding in the UK and dictating from conference call. I can't believe people take him seriously.

 

[Patriot]

Gotta agree with MQM!Honestly it is the only party that is not feudal in nature.All the ministers are highly educated and some come from middle class.We need parties like MQM-Millitant Wing=Good Democratic Party.

 

[Tayyab1796]

A revolutionary leader should come to PAK by burning his boats (renouncing british travel document) and then lead the revolution . Telephone rants from thousands of miles away aren't convincing to others except its Karachi.