The Quest for Power

Dear anNy:

``if there is truth to Mr.Afridis dealings with drugs then the man should be punished.. his being an editor of a newspaper is irrelevent...``

That is a big IF considering what Mr. Nawaz Sharif did to another editor Najm Sethi...Mushahis Husain please take note..

Irfan Hussein

`` The most we can expect...``

As if these are not achievements to be proud of. Afterall, is there anybody else who has had the courage to deliver ``the most we can expect``.

Give Mr. Musharraf, his team and those Pakistanis whom they represent, the due they deserve.

It took a great deal of political courage to stabilize the economy and set it on a growth pattern. It took a great deal of courage to tell the Ulema that Islamic values do not include the use of verbal, written, or physical terror against those who disagree with their positions. And ofcourse, the political and personal courage and the moral fiber to seek a just and lasting peace in Kashmir.

If Mr. Musharraf and his team succeed in the restructuring of the State and Economy of Pakistan, creating greater direct participation in their own governance, easier, greater, fair access to participation in the economy, controlling terror and setting Pakistan on a path of regional peace - are these not great accomplishment, worthy of praise and support?

Re: Krashid # 108

You said it brother!

Ciao

nasah #2103 ``You`re right. Pakistan is not a failed state and will never be one. ``

After 1971 it became fashionable to term Pakistan a failed state. I still remember an Economist article back in 1971 that on the one hand lamented the humiliation of surrender by a ``fine martial race`` in Dacca on the one hand, and on the other quoted someone as saying that Pakistan was a drowning dog whose head would in a few years be pushed underwater. Thirty years later the ``martial race`` is getting a bit tired of being martial, and would prefer to be a ``civilian race``, and the ``drowning dog`` seems to be a world-class paddler that keeps on going despite the best efforts of it`s rulers as well as of the religious and ethnic chauvinists. So much for the ability of anyone, even the fine Economist journalists, to foretell the future.

You write: ``One day it WILL become a democratic, progressive, and SECULAR state of the subcontinent.Inshallah.``

Ameen. There are too many good people like you in Pakistan to be anything else. I have in a past post on chowk referred to Pakistan as the ``ugly duckling`` of South Asia that will one day turn into a beautiful swan (as in the children`s storybook).

Nasah # 103

((Let`s see when the ``noble and progressive`` --(according to Ahmad Faraz, the poet laureat of Pakistan and India) -- Mr.Musharraf releases editor AFRIDI of Frontier Post as another magnanimous gesture towards press freedom and political dissent. No civilized country hangs editors of newspapers, any more, these days))

if there is truth to Mr.Afridis dealings with drugs then the man should be punished.. his being an editor of a newspaper is irrelevent...

((One day it WILL become a democratic,progressive, and SECULAR state of the subcontinent.Inshallah.))

inshaAllah :0)

Re: Nasah #69

I do not know who you are referring to as `Keerthik`. I have been away from the Web for about a week. Apologies for a delayed response

Nasah #103

I think Irfan Hussain is too optimistic in his hope.

Army particularly, but Beaureucracy are moving slowly, but surely in one direction. To consolidate their grip.

The improvement in economy, to curb the corruption and improving relations with India just shows that they;

1- Are in no position to confront India.

2- They want to rectify the situation, so that state and as a corollary they also survive.

But this in no way should be taken to mean that they have any plan for power sharing.

They are doing it out of necessity, otherwise their own survival is at stake. They have absolutely no concern with people and their aspirations.

Urstruly #101

My thinking on this matter is that Center will try to consolidate its position on administration and armed forces through proposed National Security Council and directly controlling the districts. In this regard the current revelation of politically very weak position of elected Nazim and Naib Nazim should be an eye opener.

It will be rule of military and beaureucracy in its full form with all advantages accruing to them. For the simple reason. They will be UNELECTED dictators or mafia and not answerable to people. With such a powerful Center, provinces will be crushed.

Will it lead to consolidation of Pakistan?

I highly doubt that? With no choice left, and deteriorating economic condition, people will take up arms. This will further lead to worsening of situation as far as economic prospects are concerned.

Although PPP under Benazir is trying to blunt the struggle of people, instead of taking bold stand.

But I doubt that our ruling elite realize the importance of power sharing with people.

Another important aspect is sinceerity. Current dispensation can probably work, if sinceerity of rulers is beyond doubt. But as absolute power corrupts absolutely, there is no guarantee that sincere Musharraf will be sincere all along. Or he will live for ever.

In the long run, it will result in huge powers in the hands of unelected representatives,and that it will lead to absolute corruption on unprecedented scale.

I would rather suggest that if current dispensation is in the minds of military (particularly National Security Council), Then At least President as also the president of National Security Council and Gevernors should be directly elected by people. That will be an effective check on the power of National Security Council.

The saga of Benazir and Laghari clearly shows that even if President and Prime minister are from same party, their differing outlook on National issues can lead to betterment of system.

What will the parliament do then? Basically the job of parliament will be restricted to making laws within very limited parameters.

Considering my experience in life (however meagre), I foresee a big struggle in Pakistan in future for people to assert their rights. As I can predict that military and civil beareucracy do not have a desire to involve people in governace. The other scenario can be living dead people. Considering the political awareness in hard struggle, I highly doubt the other scenario.

When assesing any dispensation, it is important to see the power and power sharing.

All the ``Haqooq`` will be restricted to ruling elite. All the ``Faraiz`` will be restricted to people.

Urstruly #101

The participation in election at 45 to 50% (Excluding Karachi and Hyderabad where it was 20-25%) does not in any way reflect the confidence of people in system.

The people talking big, about system and system don`t even know that the so called system is still in bag and will come out on 14th of august.

There is only hope and hope given to people that they will have a better future with the current exercise.

Only this is causing the downtrodden and poor people to vote. They want an end to their misery. Each new system since the inception of Pakistan brings them new hope, which are shattered within few years. Musharraf and co. told in the beginning that it will be two years when people will start feeling the benefit. With the rising gas prices, rising cost of living, increase in unemployment, they now say three to five more years.

Although it is true that if the situation is reversed somehow and common man start to feel benefit of it, the sentiments of people will calm down and will move in favor of Government. But, I cannot understand how can they do it without involving the people.

To be continued

Feroze 102

Most Interesting - And absolutely right! But, can you elaborate:

``I am indebted to Gen. Pervez Musharraf for releasing my son and I sincerely pray to God for the success of the Indo-Pak summit which has come as a blessing in disguise for us,`` said an elated Dr. Surendra Singh.``

Let`s see when the ``noble and progressive`` --(according to Ahmad Faraz, the poet laureat of Pakistan and India) -- Mr.Musharraf releases editor AFRIDI of Frontier Post as another magnanimous gesture towards press freedom and political dissent.

No civilized country hangs editors of newspapers, any more, these days.

Dear krashid:

In the word of Irfan Husain:

``The most we can hope for from General Musharraf is a brief interregnum in which extremism is curbed; the economy stabilized and relations with India improved.``



You write: ``Am I pessimistic. No.``

You`re right. Pakistan is not a failed state and will never be one.

One day it WILL become a democratic, progressive, and SECULAR state of the subcontinent.Inshallah.

Re: hobbyty # 98

Yes, I am in agreement with you on the economic reasons for a lack of tolerance in Pakistan. You are right that changes need to be made, but the question still is, why tinker with the consitution when you can create a new one?

Pakistan needs a new begining.

Ciao

Iris:

You`re right. Let`s not be cynic and try to ignore the fact that Zia won the refrendum by 95% vote-and also the current ``elections`` have nothing to do with traditional behavorial patterns of the voters.

WE must, however, concentrate on the fact that:

The new system is basically good-BUT

1. The people, who are actuallly, preservers and keepers of the (new) system are not adequately informed and educated on what this system can do for them.

2. People have not been made aware of the philosophical bases of a grassroot democracy.

3. The system does not address the issues like the generation of revenue from local resources and its distribution of it within the constituencies. So basically what is done is that to break the bigger baskets into smaller ones. One must keep in mind that the subject of revenue, its generation, and its distribution is the main catalyst that triggers any change towards a democratic community. Now people are still looking upward for the meagre resources, with smaller baskets.

4. The new system ignores a hard reality that is in our face-it is in peoples psyche to vote for a party- since the time elections started happening in the subcontinent. So it is unnatural and forced. Why not make changes that will force parties to hold ``general and comprehensive`` elections with in themselves first before they start claiming people`s representation. And it cannot happen unless people are trained and educated about it first. If 20 years of Zia and Ayub are not a lesson then what is.

5. Basically, it (grassroot thing) is an unconsented trade between current regime and people that people will get their electricity, water, sewage system, and probably education for their children IF they keep shut up and do not interfere in the political aspirations of current regime.

Now this is the most pathetic blackmail I have ever seen-what do you think, how long people will allow this.

Nasah #93

It is not related to abrogation of constitution.

Gandhara Industries of Major (I think) Gohar Ayub Khan was the tip of iceburg in Ayub`s regime.

Our Generals instead of fighting in East Pakistan were smuggling Paan during Yahya era.

In Zia era not only culture of Klashinkov and drug were introduced , but lot of Generals and their sons made huge money out of this trade. Governor Fazl-e-Haq and Humatyun Akhtar Khan are popular but are just the tip of iceburg. The process of corruption in politics by presenting brief cases full of money and Pajeros was in full form at the time of Zia. And the same breed of politicans groomed by army to take care of their business ultimately revolted against their mentors.

Is there hope for Pakistan. As far as elite are concerned there is lot of hope. As far as common man is concerned. None.

The number of beggars in Karachi (the richest city) is 200,000 out of unofficial figure of roughly 10 million. Meaning 2%. I quoted recently about Aunty in Lahore, who is hiring girls from poor areas to please our Generals and beaureucrats.

I don`t see any change in situation. This is just institutionalization of above mentioned facets. With the help of our highly patriotic middle class.

If you want to see the behaviour. See the behaviour of these same people in supporting Zia and welcoming Nawaz Sharif when it was due.

In breaking the legacy of Z.A. Bhutto they have shattered Pakistan, but are still unable to break the legacy.

Alas.

Am I pessimistic. No.

What will happen to our middle class is anybody`s guess. But the situation is getting worse everyday for the so called middle class of Pakistan and are joining the ranks of poor. Only people in a little better position are people who have migrated.

The only solution is political process. Without it people will go to extreme. And Jihad will take new meaning.

In fact our elite are furthering their interest at the expense of people of Pakistan. People of Pakistan should realize and also middle class, that destiny of nation is in their hands. Once political process is completely eliminated our ruling elite will join hands with International capital to further their interest. And poor people will have no problem. They are used to live like this. It will be the middle class which will suffer most.

So it should realize that it should not hinder political process. It is not in its own interest.

In fact it was the political process at the time of Bhutto and later for people of Karachi by MQM which caused poor people and lower middle class people to migrate and have a better standard of living.

Re Urstruly #89:

If you consider an average 45% and in some cases (such as Lahore city district) over 50% turnout `pathetic`, some serious re-evaluation is needed. My conclusion of the same figures was positive...compared to the 13% voter turnout in previous elections...this jump appears to be substantial. When NS won a 2/3 majority...the average voter turnout across the country was supposed to be below 20%.

Draw your own conclusions about what is pathetic and what constitutes people`s confidence. Though even if you look at the average 45% figure as negative (by no accounts can it be considered pathetic)...what do you expect...a people that have been looted of their rights for as long as many of their concsciences have existed, cannot be expected to blindly follow a `plan` that has not even taken root or shown results.

People`s cyncisim however (if you want to look at the glass half-empty through the remaining 5%`s perspectives) is understandable at this juncture, but not necessarily justified. This plan really makes an effort to reach out to the common man... to date most rational human beings that take the time out to research the plan, do not speak against it (other than minor criticism of adjustments that should be made or doofus politicians/ feudals whom such a plan does not suit). I have also not read any counter-argument as to a better alternate option for empowering people in such a direct manner. I highly suggest visiting the nrb.org website to better undertand what the plan entails. I was thoroughly shocked to read the details, as someone else had finally penned down thoughts and discussion one has grown up with or conclusions one had personally drawn, on what changes are essential for Pakistan to move forward.

If you want to look at the glass half-full, however, the same 45% turnout figure looks positive...especially if you compare it with previous voter turnout ratios or even turnout rates of more developed democracies of the world. Also, look at the thousands of candidates that have participated from far-flung areas (including women), many of whom are not politically connected/ backed... how are you drawing your conclusions? Try to fill your half empty glass with some encouraging facts.