Compilation of Articles on the Military Takeover in Pakistan In light of the recent events and subsequent comments on the possible remedies. I think you will find the following interesting. Another point to bear in mind when reading this is:- We are at the gates of the 21st century and yet what have we changed!

The Quaid`s, Presidential address at the 30th session of the All-India Muslim League, held at Delhi on April 20, 1943

`Here I should like to give a warning to the landlords and the capitalists who have flourished at our expense by a system which is so wicked and which makes them so selfish that it is difficult to reason with them. The exploitation of the masses has gone into their blood. They have forgotten the lessons of Islam. Greed and selfishness have made these people subordinate the interests of others in order to fatten themselves. It is true, we are not in power today. You go anywhere to the countryside. I have visited villages. There are millions and millions of our people who hardly get one meal a day. Is this civilisation? Do you visualise that millions have been exploited and cannot get one meal a day? If they are wise, they will have to adjust themselves to the modern conditions of life. If they don`t, God help them, we shall not help them`

The saddest part of what is happening today is that despite Quaid`s optimism, the down trodden masses have not vented their anger. We have not demanded our rights.

Umair Malik, London UK

Compilation of Articles on the Military Takeover in Pakistan Dear Readers,

Much has been said on the merits and demerits of the military ‘take over’ [different interpretation in Pakistan than the standard Western `educated` variety] of a ‘democratically’[ democracy only works when the individual is truly ‘free’ to choose, decide who he/she wants to represent them on their behalf on national/provincial/local platform] elected government.

I feel it is much more important and productive to closely examine the unusual circumstances surrounding these dramatic events and the underlying causes that have been simmering since the creation of Pakistan.

Western ‘knee jerk’ reactions to such events are almost never based on ‘universal principles’ and are almost always based on vested interests. It is imperative to note that the Pakistani public is always last to learn the actual facts about its own government’s misdeeds and disregard for their welfare yet the donor countries have a far detailed understanding of all that goes on and continue to maintain silence.

Many looters and plunderers of the Pakistani exchequer have been provided with an ‘open door’ policy to make a dash for safe havens (at the mere mention of accountability), such as USA, UK and other European countries. The Nawaz Sharifs and Benazirs of the Pakistani elite maintain lavish properties and extravagant bank balances in the very countries shouting the loudest about the ‘death of democracy’. In fact Pakistan is held in such low regard that even ‘most wanted’ terrorists, wanted for multiple murders are being welcomed with open arms.

I urge the common folk, particularly in the west, to question the motives behind rhetorical grand statements your politicians make during trying circumstances.

Umair Malik, London UK