A Letter To President Musharraf

Re: # 564 The ends do not justify the means. You cannot short-circuit proper elections regardless of how noble you consider your visions to be.

Granted the judge himself was put in position by Musharraf. So what? The issues that made the judge a hurdle to Mush's ambitions - mush's demands to make a mockery of the next elections so his stay in power is assured, and the "disappearances" of people in Pakistan where the judge demanded habeas corpus - stand by themselves. And the people of Pakistan understand these issues and have spoken out loud and clear through peaceful demonstrations.

#562 Posted by tahmed32

With regards to Mush, its nothing personal but a matter of achieving ideological objectives. Take the Mulla party for example, they have always rallied in support of any person or party that contributes even a fraction to their philosophical agenda. On this latest lal Masjid affair, all religious parties and individuals have tried to rationalize their objectives thus justifying their rebellion. How many secular, liberal parties do the same to achieve their objective? Not many and thats the sad part, if liberal forces are going to make it in Pakistan then they have to set their priorities straight and know their enemy. Musharraf maybe a military dictator but so was Zia and the mulla brigade milked him for everything possible and we have this end product in the form of state within the state.

As for your comments regarding the CJ issueing court order putting an end to Musharraf's regime, on what basis? Its the same CJ who ordained Musharraf's coup and continuation in military uniform. If the CJ allows personal feelings to interfere with his judgement then he has no right to be a judge who is supposed to be impartial.

#559 Posted by harish_hyd

Harish Sahib,

What started out as a bad decision eventually developed into a civil rights movement which no one had planned, or did they? This mistake was a blessing in disguise, had Mush not blundered, Chaudhry wud have remained an obedient CJ who wud have tumbled along till his natural exit. Once again, it was Musharraf's decision which prompted a historical civil rights movement that may prove to be a turning point in Pakistan's history.

rf786: you write We seem to share the same goals its the means that differ and that is immaterial compared to the end objective.

That is quite true I think with respect to having the same goals - a lawful society in Pakistan, free from military interference, peaceful and progressive. That can be the only goal for reasonable people in Pakistan or anywhere else for any part of the world.

With respect to the means, I think now is as good a time as any to reach for that goal, given that we have a remarkable national consensus on the independance of the Supreme Court. I say remarkable because I cant think of any occasion since 1965 when the nation has come together as one on any issue as this one - religious parties and PPP and (most important) non-party groups like lawyers and journalists shed their differences and marched peacefully together.

As for approach, I think we are saying the same thing - the end of military interference in politics. So I am not sure where the difference is, although from your post it seems you want to apply some kind of exception to Musharraf. If that is what you are saying, then indeed we have a difference in approach. If not, then I think we can both agree on the means - which is for the Chief Justice to issue a court order that puts an end to Musharraf's attempts to make a mockery of the election process in order for him to stay in power.

YLH,

October second has been named the world day of peace to honour Gandhi. The resolution was passed unanimously by the UN, even pakistan did not abstain. Even your beloved military masters do not care for your theory.

Jinnah will be remembered for creating pakistan, as long as that country lasts. Bangladeshis have forgotten about Jinnah. NWFP people hate him. The sindhis, well ask atlaf hussain.

It is only the few punjabis that have any regard for Jinnah.

#559 by harish_hyd

So he let the due process take its course, and was probably only too happy to see the CJ reinstated.

should read

So he let the process take its due course, and was probably only too happy to see the CJ reinstated.

#555 Posted by rf786

By acknowledging and honoring the Supreme Judicial Councils decision, Musharraf and his Govt have also shown grace that needs to be recognized.

Arif bhai, my understanding is that actually Mushy did want to back out of the whole thing when it got out of hand (the extraordinary protests by the lawyers and the overwhelming support of the public), but realized that by backtracking, his image of a no nonsense, tough talking commando would take a severe beating. So he let the due process take its course, and was probably only too happy to see the CJ reinstated. For now, the CJ is the lesser evil compared to the Mullahs who're baying for his blood.

#555 by rf786

#555 Posted by rf786

By acknowledging and honoring the Supreme Judicial Councils decision, Musharraf and his Govt have also shown grace that needs to be recognized.

Arif bhai, my understanding is that actually Mushy did want to back out of the whole thing when it got out of hand (the extraordinary protests by the lawyers and the overwhelming support of the public), but realized that by backtracking, his image of a no nonsense, tough talking commando would take a severe beating. So he let the due process take its course, and was probably only too happy to see the CJ reinstated. For now, the CJ is the lesser evil compared to the Mullahs who're baying for his blood.

Re: # 556

tahmed32

I will totally agree with you that the MILITARY has no role in running the country. Its not just Musharraf or some other General who keep on interfering with our lives, its the military establishment that needs to be restrained and removed from the political process. By targeting an individual we are making room for another tinpot to take his place, emphasis sud be on a structural change and that wud require Pakistans biggest political party ie Pak Military's consent OR we sud be willing to wage a war of confrontation which ofcourse is not a wise choice.

We seem to share the same goals its the means that differ and that is immaterial compared to the end objective.

Regards

Arif

rf786 #555 I will agree with you to the extent that the Musharraf government is not totally stupid like the lal masjid maulvis, and can read the writing on the wall. It knows that further confrontation with the Supreme Court, backed by massive popular support, is futile. It is futile because even Musharraf cannot order soldiers to start attacking peaceful demonstrators. And all that Musharraf has done is try to avoid a replay of the fall of Ayub Khan. So it is not grace, but "enlightened self-preservation", that characterizes the Musharraf governments acceptance of the Supreme Court decision.

Taking into account all of the facts is not being emotional. It is rather an attempt at having as sound a basis for one's views as possible: And the fact is that Musharraf has to answer for the "disappearances". His sabotage, in coordination with mqm on May 12, of the peaceful demonstrations in Karachi - at a cost of 42 lives. His attempts to prolong his autocratic rule by another 5 years by making a mockery of the election process. The list is a long one. And even as you talk of "grace", he sits as an autocrat, shamelessly sticking to his demand to continue for the next 5 years.

Military interference in Pakistan politics must come to an end. Pakistan is too mature a country to be ruled by tinpot dictators any more. Musharraf has done enough damage to the nation.

#552 Posted by tahmed32

By acknowledging and honoring the Supreme Judicial Councils decision, Musharraf and his Govt have also shown grace that needs to be recognized. There was no Sultan Rahi attack on the Supreme court, no emergency, no changing of Judges nor was their any after the fact refusal to accept the verdit. All of the above have happened in Pakistan by elected and non-elected representatives.

Do not forget, it was the same gentleman who in his official duties as the CJP has endorsed Musharrafs on more than one occassion, so what makes u so sure he will not do the same?

When u confuse personal feelings with what is reasonable argument then comments made are immaterial and show emotions of disgust. Pakistan needs a strong civil society and rulers who are supportive of judicial process. Mistakes are made by the best, what is important is the acknowledgment and correction of these mistakes, Musharraf and Co have absolved themselves to a certain extent by showing respect of the judicial decision.

#553 Posted by nasah

nasah ji....welcome back. kahan ghayaab ho jatain hain hazoor???

"We want you to take positions and then stick to them." (author)

hope you are not talking about Mr. Musharraf's 'easy' acceptance of the Supreme Court verdict. People are glad that Mr. Musharraf did not stick with his original silly position.

Re: # 551 I am glad we agree on the respect the Pakistani people have earned through their brave yet peaceful demonstrations in support of the rule of law.

Obviously either I did not make the point sufficiently clear, or else you deliberately chose to downplay it by calling it immaterial. So let me try to make it as clear as I can:

Even Musharraf, through his actions (attempted bullying of the CJ followed by attempted sacking of the CJ), has made it clear that the issue I drew your attention to (free and fair elections) was in fact a material issue.

And with this verdict, there is every reason to believe that either Musharraf will have to back down now on this issue, thus effectively ending his 9 year rule. The CJ certainly has no reason to permit Musharraf to continue as a supra-constitutional autocrat, and Musharraf's attempts to bully him have already failed. The only real option left for Musharraf if he insists on trying to cling to power is to unleash the full force of the military to protect himself: in which case all bets are off. Whatever the coutcome, one thing is for sure - the issue I raised is not exactly immaterial!!

btw, I dont see what prompts you to say I am "frustrated and disgusted" on what I consider to be perhaps the greatest day in Pakistan's history. Rest assured I am very pleased with the outcome.

#550tahmed32

Ordinary Pakistanis when given the choice have shown tremendous fortitude and desire for moderation, this human quality is pervasive throughout Pakistan like other nations.

As for our comments regarding Mush and his padres, there is nothing material in your comments except for frustration and disgust, that is your prerogative.

rf #532 The real Letter to President Musharraf was delivered yesterday by the Supreme Court. This is indeed a great day for all.

I beg to differ that the (attempted) sacking of the CJ was merely "ill-advised". Musharraf (as his son said in his Chowk article when Musharraf took over) had no choice. He could either sack the CJ and declare himself elected per his mockery of the electoral process, or submit to the law and permit free and fair election.

As for civil society - Ordinary Pakistanis have proved they are more enlightened than this self-proclaimed "enlightened moderate" and his ghoonda fascist supporters from mqm and his puppet islamic fascists. Sic Semper Tyrannis!!