Neither Enlightened nor Moderate

Nowadays there is much hullabaloo of taking the so-called “enlightened moderation” model Musharraf, beyond 2007. Before we take it beyond 2007 or 2070, it would be appropriate to do some rudimentary cost-benefit analysis of the phenomenon and draw up a sort of balance-sheet of the current messianic tenure. Anyway, five and half years, is sufficiently long period of time to make a sound judgement. The results are there for everyone to see. Just a cursory look at the hitherto accomplishments would suffice to prognosticate the future that lies ahead. One list of such achievements can be as follows:

(i) Dubious tricks as the principal instrument of government, extra-constitutional somersaults as the prime raison d’être for the squatter to cling on
(ii) Blatant violation of institutional oaths
(iii) Lousy one-man 97.7 % class referendums on public expense
(iv) PCOs and easing out of judges not willing to sell themselves
(v) Large-scale electoral manipulation and brazen gerrymandering for accommodating spineless like-minded stooges
(vi) Brutal battering of the Constitution
(vii) Shameless trade of political loyalties
(viii) Blemishing of “patriotism” and “conscience”
(ix) Dishonesty as “pragmatism”
(x) Mockery of accountability process of a scale that one feels disgusted even by Pakistani standards
(xi) Disharmony among provinces and fanning of centrifugal tendencies because of gross political distortions and lack of viable local representation at the centre
(xii) Ignominy of having Chief Injustices like Irshad Hassan Khan and Sheikh Riaz Ahmed, the speaker NA Chaudhry Amir Hussain, probably the most pathetic, timid, unfair officeholders of the political history of the South Asia
(xiii) Disdainful flouting of unambiguous Supreme Court verdicts like deporting of Shahbaz Sharif in a manner that dwarfs even the horrendous storming of the Apex Court
(xiv) Breach of solemn pledges given on national TV as a tool for the continuation of “true” democracy
(xv) Purely personal ambitions choking larger national interests
(xvi) Creating obnoxious precedent like acting president signing dubious constitutional amendments
(xvii) Record number of proven wilful defaulters and perceived looters in the cabinet
(xviii) Appointment of absconders of the law as governors
(xix) Instant transformation of “traitors” and “high security risk elements” to honest law-abiding angels the moment they are ready to help an individual to prolong his circus
(xx) Three prime ministers in three months time
(xxi) Conversion of corps headquarters into property dealing centres and whole sale plunder by the upper echelon of the military
(xxii) Abuse of the wardi as never seen before
(xxiii) Full range of weaponry available to the military being deployed against fellow Pakistanis from Waziristan to the North to Badin in the South, to Sui in the West to Okara to the East
(xxiv) Sickening episodes ala Nazir Dogar
(xxv) Despicable incidents type Meerwala and Sui with its respective post-operational and pre-emptive exonerations

It would be pertinent to question the worthy readers in general and the gentleman concerned in particular: which one of the prominent features enumerated above can be termed moderate or enlightened – even remotely. Use the definitions of the terms you feel comfortable with. Also, correct me if I have made up something or exaggerated in any sense.

In other words, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Furthermore, to the utmost dismay, extreme displeasure and great concern of God-fearing, Pakistan-loving compatriots, it can be discerned with ease that the foremost, rather sole purpose of the ongoing contacts with the main political parties of the country is neither to forge any sort of political reconciliation nor it has anything to do with the greater good of the country. The entire choreography is singularly meant to perpetuate oneself beyond 2007.

I will be grateful if someone can post a counter list pointing out the invisible positive traits of “enlightened moderation” other than increase in foreign exchange deposits and KSE performance as both are more or less unanticipated side effects of 9-11. If drawing a comparison with previous administration, do Keep in mind that never in the history of Pakistan, has a non-military leader got more than 3 years in government barring the exception of ZAB’s 5 years in 70s – that too with the military constantly intervening from behind the scene.